RVAT volunteer David Sypher published this op-ed in The Star-Ledger: “Why this Republican can’t support Trump again.” He writes:

Donald Trump’s recent felony conviction has made me reflect deeply on the dismal direction of my party. I’m a lifelong Republican, ran for office as a Republican, and yes, I voted for Trump before. His conviction is not just a legal issue; it is a microcosm of a larger problem within the Republican Party and highlights how far we’ve fallen as a nation.

Trump’s modus operandi revolves around the politics of divisiveness, much like authoritarian rulers throughout history. He doesn’t just target his violent rhetoric at his political opponents — he also targets minority groups, the disabled, and anyone he thinks his fans will like to hear him demean and insult.

As a black Republican, it’s extremely disappointing to see, but this is the direction Trump’s leadership has taken the party of Lincoln. The GOP once stood up for civil liberties, freedom, and equality for all. It was the party that abolished slavery.

And now, with the Republican National Convention days away, it is best known for having a leader who regularly engages in stereotyping, dog-whistling, and outright racism.

So I knew I had to take action.

Read David’s piece here.