"In nominating Donald Trump, the Republican Party has asked the people of the United States to entrust their future to a man who insults women, mocks the handicapped, urges that dissent be met with violence, seeks to impose religious tests for entry into the United States, and applies a de facto ethnicity test to judges. He offends our allies and praises dictators. His public statements are peppered with lies. He belittles our heroes and insults the parents of men who have died serving our country. Every day brings a fresh revelation that highlights the unacceptable danger in electing him to lead our nation."

Is this another diatribe from the Clinton camp? No, actually it’s a public statement from 30 former GOP lawmakers issued on Oct. 6. Consider it with the statements of other conservative politicians, pundits, and journalists who dislike Hillary Clinton but still advise against voting for Trump. This election is not a matter of competing visions for the United States. If that were so, Trump would not be getting such sustained criticism from the right. Rather it is a recognition that Trump is a dangerous huckster whose manic, narcissistic nature threatens domestic and international stability.

Nicolo A. Festa

New London