Sometimes it's the seemingly simple things

I love anyone who champions simplicity over indulgence. Case in point, Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for her (rather simple) work at taking care of the earth in Kenya. And she gets the connections between environmental degradation and peace, not to mention global poverty, international debt, and more. I also love people who can articulate a vision of global security that doesn't call for bombing other countries to shit, but rather connects the dots between security and environmental well-being, security and health care, or security and economic justice.

She's interviewed in the most recent issue of The Progressive magazine. There's a short, simple parable included in this story, too, that hits me right in the gut. In talking about the work of an activist - of why people do what they do to alleviate suffering, or to make this world just a shade brighter - she compares it to a hummingbird trying to put out a forest fire. When mocked by other animals, the hummingbird replies, "I'm doing what I can."

Amen, sister.