A Video Tribute to Ruth Messinger on her 70th Birthday

“I think continually of those who were truly great. The names of those who in their lives fought for life, Who wore at their hearts the fire’s center.”

(Stephen Spender, 1930) 

I know that I am not the only person with a personal pantheon, a small group of people who over the years have inspired me, taught me, and set a standard of ethical and compassionate behavior.

So imagine the thrill of turning on my computer — just moments ago — and finding this video tribute to a woman for over three decades has been one of my most cherished heroes in all matters humane, all matters of conscience. Many of you don’t know Ruth Messinger. Now you will.

In a  culture packed with spin, artifice, angling for advantage, truth-twisting, and superficiality, Ruth Messinger stands  as a rock of authenticity amidst the talkers, the promisers, the deal-makers and all those who let themselves think that their words are enough.

Ruth is. Ruth does.