­­– Robert Louis Stevenson Our hearts beat strongly with assurance that if we all work together, we will succeed in putting America back on the right track. America’s culture is supposed to be one of opportunity: the pursuit of happiness, the blessings of work, earned success, social justice and the solution of poverty. We are all interested in building a fairer, happier and more prosperous America.

But now, we are watching our government crumble as our nation struggles in the midst of political, economic and cultural uncertainties. The whole world is closely watching our politicians and debates, they are listening and analyzing every word, because the results will affect our lives and theirs.

What is the political battle that will put America’s government on the path to global peace and prosperity? What will lead our children and grandchildren to a better, more prosperous and more secure future?

The founders of the Constitution wanted our government’s function to be narrow and few. They wanted safeguards against government abuse. They wanted checks, balances and protection that were lacking in the government from which they had declared independence.

Let us hope when all is said and done and a new president is elected that he or she will spearhead an administration that follows the guidance of our forefathers.

Outside of the political realm, a new beginning signaled by spring as well as the resurrection of Christ, which we remember each year at Easter, gives us courage, hope and strengthening power. Both Easter and spring’s arrival can lift our weary senses. We must embrace the hope that Easter is the triumph over darkness, of good over evil. While the ultimate battle of life and death is fought in the dust and dirt of the everyday world, we are thankful for the light of an Easter day where love can win over wrong and sin. Gone are doubt and fears, sorrow and tears. When we read about the resurrection of Christ, we see the miracle of his love. Humbly we give thanks for the eternal miracles of spring and Easter. And I pray that the world finds the peace that it requires.

Upcoming events: The Thornton Academy Alumni Board is sponsoring a new program, the Lloyd Hunt Lecture Series. Enrichment classes take place on March 24, “Fun with Chemistry” (instructors Teri Arenstam and Dick Parker) and on March 31, “Shaker Studies” (instructor Lloyd Hunt).

Classes will be held on campus on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8. The cost is $10 per class. Registration is limited to 20 people.

To sign up, visit https://squareup.com/market/thorntonacademy or contact Brittany Brown at 602-4439 or brittany.brown@thorntonacademy.org

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Zaffie at zhadiaris@hotmail.com.