The election is nearly upon us and while there are scores of policy and practical positions to influence a person’s perception of the candidates I think it is paramount to consider the moral dimension of this cycle’s choice.

I believe in human freedom, liberty, and equality. My application of these principles to specifics has, in the past and I am sure will continue in the future, irritated friends and strangers on both the left and the right. So be it. For my self-regard I have to apply the principles as I see them.

Donald Trump is not a proponent of freedom. He strikes me as a man more concerned with power than liberty, unless it is his own.

In 1989 students in Communist China gather in Tiananmen Square to protest for democracy and liberty. The Communists dictators sent in the military and slaughtered the peaceful protesters.

Donald Trump thinks the massacre was a sign of strength.

Donald Trump advocates for the USA to commit war crimes and torture.

Here is an iconic image of one brave man facing down the Communist tanks en route to Tiananmen Square. To vote for and endorse the candidacy of Donald Trump is to side with the tanks.

Photo Credit: AP Jeff Widener

That I cannot do.