“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself… Serve and thou shall be served.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

The character of our country is on the ballot again! Can you imagine? Campaigning for the presidency of the United States of America has started again!  The 2020 presidential race has  started to heat up and the field is already getting crowded.  Dozens of White House hopefuls  have tossed their hats into the ring and more popular  politicians are likely to follow suit. I have already heard a few speeches.

Candidates are inspired by a great purpose they feel compelled to follow. Fulfillment is an important part of life. They must be ready to undertake and  endure the struggles, obstacles, and problems of our nation. He or she must have a sure foresight.

In the United States the President is the most powerful and prominent public official. He or she is elected every four years and runs the day to day operations of the government. Any eligible citizen can run for the office. Running for the position requires a lot of time, money and dedication and hard work.

Americans are going through difficult political times. We have to look deeply into the true nature of life, including our everyday problems.  We have to practice awareness of each thing. We need to confront the difficulties of life.

One, get in touch with the wonders of life that are around us. If we want to save Mother Earth we have to protect the earth, make peace and take care of life. We have caused a lot of damage to the earth. Now is the time to take good care of her. Establish relationship with the world community, neighbors, family, acquaintances, animal kingdom and our planet.

Walk in a way to print peace and serenity on the earth. There was so much suffering in the 20th century: two world wars, concentration camps, refugees fleeing their country with no place to land, gas chambers and camps.

There has been much unnecessary suffering and there are many problems in our country.

We have a responsibility to stay connected with tolerance and appreciation of cultural diversity. If we are willing to work together and learn together we can offer a better path to the future. With understanding and compassion and communication we can correct the mistakes of our times.

With these words Mahatma Gandhi said: “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.”

Altrusa practices unbending intent. Folks have asked, “What is Altrusa?” Altrusa is an international non-profit organization, making our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. Their focus is Literacy along with specific projects unique to individual communities. They have over 360 clubs in 11 countries.

The Greater Biddeford-Saco Club, established in 1976, is part of District One which includes the New England States, Eastern Canada and Bermuda.

Learn more about this organization at www.altrusa.org  Check them out on Facebook Altrusa-International of Biddeford–Saco.  Sounds interesting. Let’s give of our time and talents to provide services to provide services to our community that they cannot easily do alone.

For more information about their local club contact Club President Rita Cote at rcote7648@gmail.com.