“One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The world is waiting, not knowing what is before us. 2016 will be another fascinating election year. We will choose the 45th president of the United States.

Let’s take time to think about the America of tomorrow. Let us turn our attention to growing our hope when we vote. We need a greater understanding of ourselves, our nation and world. Times are different now. We move with the universe. Where we are going is important.

A deeper story is trying to emerge across this entire nation. We all have an image of how life should be. In this new global world we want to make something good happen. The whole country is struggling and we don’t know how to stop the slide. What do we do?

People look to government leaders for guidance and justice in these times of many changes, accelerating globalization, mountainous information of science and technology, and the clash of civilizations. As for us, as the pace of society quickens and grows, so does our need for knowledge, which can help guide us.

The debates, the media and the newspapers may deepen our appreciation for our country. It is the first time there have been so many candidates. How will the candidates approach the most pressing foreign issues facing our nation? There are many serious problems to consider: immigration, abortion, government spending and deficits, health care, war on terror, taxes, welfare, education, gun control, gay rights, jobs, economy, trade and agriculture. We have a great deal to think about before entering the voting booth.

Violence is overreaching in the world. Education, knowledge and opportunity are gifts that speak powerfully to our hopes, fears and deepest needs. We are a great nation of citizens willing to fight and sacrifice for the American ideal. Our military gives us the dignity and opportunity to be a free people. It gives us the freedom to create the quilt that is America. We have government agencies who are becoming more and more involved with nutrition and health.

Anyone who is running for president should be acknowledged for their efforts. It is a hard job. Campaigning requires courage, energy, ambition, focus and funds. A candidate must understand what it is our country needs in a president – one of the hardest jobs in the world.

Let us have an optimistic view in addressing the future. America can find a way, cultivating a more civil and safe world. We want the beauty of the world and not its ugliness to be experienced by all.

— 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 Hadiaris at [email protected].