I was so touched by Maureen Dowd's tribute to her mom, who died last Sunday: A Women Who Found a Way to Write.

MY mom always wanted to be a writer. In 1926, when she was 18, she applied for a job at The Washington Post. An editor there told her that the characters she'd meet as a reporter were far too shady for a nice young lady.

But someone who wants to write will find a way to write. And someone who wants to change the world can do it without a big platform or high-profile byline.

It sounds like Peggy Dowd was an amazing, courageous woman. Her daughter (who looks just like her!) is carrying on her legacy beautifully--I love how Maureen Dowd can speak to power with honesty and humor and verve.