You might not believe it, but Jose Mujica, president of Uruguay since 2010, is known to be the
world’s poorest president.
Jose donates more then of 90% of his $12,000 per month salary to benefit
the poor and to help small entrepreneurs. If we need more of anything
in this world, it would be more people like this!
This man doesn’t put value on his appearance or clothes. He is
criticized for his posture and clothes, but Jose puts more value on
other things in life instead.
Before his presidency, he was a guerilla fighter for Tupamaros, which
acted like “Robin hood.” They literally robbed banks, gun clubs,
and other businesses to give to the poor. He truly believed that his
value was not in gaining more money, it was in the well-being of his
country and people. He was imprisoned 2 times for a total of 14 years
and shot 6 times after an escape attempt, But he still continues to
fight for the people even in his high office now as president of
Uruguay.
Mujica could live in this beautiful Presidential house, but has chosen a
more humble place to live. He is a honest example of a president that
gives up his own comfort for the well-being of others.
…And this is where he lives, on a farm with his wife and dog. He is
also working to change the fancy presidential house into a museum that
pays honor to past presidents. There’s no nice place to sleep when you can be humble and live on a farm. This president lives the life!
His part time farming job, keeps him aware of the struggles and life
that most other people of his country go though. He also grows and then
sells flowers from his farm. You can see him frequently driving his
old 1987 Volkswagon Beetle. He doesn’t need a fancy Bentley, because he
doesn’t care about having a extravagant appearance. His people are
what matters and what matters are his people.
Jose’s protection consists of two guards and his 3 legged dog named
Manuela.
Even though he is known as the poorest president, he strongly disagrees.
He says, “I’m not the poorest president. The poorest is the one who
needs a lot to live… My lifestyle is a consequence of my wounds. I’m the
son of my history. There have been years when I would have been happy
just to have a mattress.”
This president’s example is a testament to how we should live our lives.
We don’t need more things to be happy. In fact, some of the most
wealthy people in the world, have their wealth stored in the currency of
unselfishness, kindness, and true love. Maybe its time for a change?
The world needs more people like this to light up the Darkness...The Guardian has a great story of this exceptional leader. Check it out here.
OneLove
;::MME:::
