Today is election day and scores of people across the world will be watching with anticipation as to who will be the next Leader of the Free World.

It is a sobering thought to learn USA Today recently identified that out of 240 million citizens eligible to vote, it is expected that we may see an actual voter turnout inching toward 65% – potentially the highest number in nearly a century. This certainly reflects the tempo of our times, however, we should never – never be satisfied until we have tallied 100% of voter turnout embracing this basic fundamental right for every U.S. citizen.

There is no question that something is indeed different in this year’s Presidential Election and much of this is, I believe, related to the stark reality that a lot is at stake and it is not just the preservation of our democracy. Compassion is at stake! Kindness is at stake! Decency is at stake! One’s sense of relevancy is at stake! We are living in an unprecedented time when loneliness and social isolation is at an all time high due in great part to the diminishing social circles resulting from the pandemic, as well as the enormous discourse unfolding in our political system where rational discussions and exchange of viewpoints in a respectful manner has deteriorated. However severe the climate around what is at stake in this election might be, we have it in our power – in our basic fabric of what defines our character – to wake up tomorrow and not promote violence, hatred, or antagonistic feelings if the candidate we supported does not win.

I ask all of you to heed Robert F. Kennedy’s words from his remarks to an inner-city gathering in Indianapolis on the evening of April 4, 1968, just hours after the death of Martin Luther King:

“What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love, and wisdom, and compassion toward one another; and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black.”

Regardless of who wins today’s Presidential election, let’s commit to having our collective votes go toward supporting kindness, love, and compassion for all people. This, I believe, is what is at stake today! I intend to wake up on Wednesday morning and continue – together – our work for a more peaceful and compassionate world.

~ Donato J. Tramuto
2014 Robert F Kennedy Ripple of Hope Laureate