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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

As I write this message, we are still in the throes of an election campaign, even though it will be long over by the time you receive this issue of the REALity, so I can neither rejoice nor commiserate with you about the election results. I know, however, that our wonderful REAL Women members will have done their part to the best of their ability in this campaign to volunteer, if possible, and to register their vote.

I have been doing volunteer work for my chosen federal candidate during the campaign, helping in the campaign office, delivering flyers, etc. From most of the people I meet I can sense a positive attitude toward traditional family values, despite attack ads warning about "scary" social conservatism. In all fairness, some members of the media are not quite as antagonistic as in the past. After all, even the most "liberal" of journalists cannot keep beating a dead horse!

There is one concern that has come to the forefront, I believe, and that is the need for an informed electorate. So many Canadians, unless they are hit in the pocketbook, not only do not know about issues of the day, they simply do not care. It seems to be a matter of "I'm all right, Jack". It is obvious that our education system does little to teach our young people about the structure of government and the real need for civic responsibility on the part of every citizen. It is mainly because of such abysmal voter ignorance or apathy, I believe, that government mismanagement was able to reach such shocking proportions under the Liberal regime.

"I am not my brother's keeper!" Remember that defence? But we are our brothers' keepers, in that our Judaeo-Christian ethics require that we strive to make this world a better place for everyone. Obviously, therefore, we must maintain a reasonable social network to support those persons who truly need our help, and we must be good stewards in managing our environment.

I fear, however, that our young people are receiving very mixed messages. It is so sad to see our religious beliefs and ethics denigrated by persons who do not understand how important it is for Canada that the Judaeo-Christian virtues, on which this country was founded, be respected and maintained. Canada must also share some of its wealth and expertise with those in other countries who live truly desperate lives, but this must be done in such a way that the people in those countries really do receive assistance, and that we do not line the pockets of unscrupulous dictators or agencies, which provide service for exorbitant profits.

It is devoutly to be hoped that the next generation of Canadians, despite the "me first" message of society today, will recognize that they are indeed their brothers' keepers, that they will demand the government act both charitably and responsibly, and that these young people will carefully scrutinize the actions of their elected representatives and take them to task if they are found wanting.

Again, my sincere thanks for the support we have received from so many of you, for your actions, your donations, and especially your prayers.

God bless!

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