As a Marine combat veteran, a former elected official and a Republican, I have decided that I cannot, in good conscience, vote for Donald Trump. Several factors influenced my decision, which include, but are not limited to, his disrespectful comments about veterans, his involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and his extremely divisive and dangerous rhetoric.
First and foremost, as a United States Marine Corps veteran, I find Donald Trump’s comments about veterans deeply offensive and disheartening. On multiple occasions, he has made derogatory remarks about those who have served our country, most notably calling the fallen Marines buried at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, “suckers” and “losers.”
These so-called “suckers” and “losers” are the same men who fought in the Battle of Belleau Wood and earned them the nickname “Teufel Hunden” or “Devil Dog” by the German soldiers they fought against, and their honor, courage and commitment to this country has been taught to every single Marine since.
These remarks are not just insensitive; they reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the values of honor, duty and sacrifice that are at the core of military service. Such statements are unacceptable from anyone, let alone a draft dodger seeking to be the commander-in-chief.
Additionally, Donald Trump’s involvement in the events surrounding the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is a significant concern to me. The insurrection was a direct assault on the democratic process and the rule of law. Trump’s rhetoric leading up to that day, including his repeated claims that the election was “stolen,” came to a boiling point when he directed his supporters to “march to the Capitol” and to “fight like hell.”
There’s no doubt in my mind, his words incited the violent mob. This attack resulted in five deaths, 140 injuries to police, and a profound disruption of the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of our democracy. His subsequent actions, or lack thereof, during the attack underscore a dangerous disregard for the Constitution and the safety of our elected officials.
Furthermore, since his rise to political prominence in 2015, Donald Trump has played a significant role in escalating political violence and deepening divisions within our country. His often-inflammatory rhetoric has emboldened extremist groups and contributed to a climate of hostility and aggression.
It is crucial to recognize that the presidency is not just about policy or party politics; it is about leadership and character. A president must embody the principles and values that unite us as a nation. A president must show respect for all citizens, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs and gender, uphold the Constitution, and work tirelessly to protect and promote democracy.
In all these areas, Donald Trump has repeatedly failed.
Some may argue that Trump’s policies or economic decisions warrant another term, but it is essential to weigh these against the broader implications of his conduct and the precedents it sets for future leaders. A leader who disrespects veterans, incites violence, fosters extremist views and undermines democratic institutions cannot be the right choice for president. Our country deserves a president who will lead with integrity, respect and a genuine commitment to uniting us, not dividing us.
Ultimately, my decision not to vote for Donald Trump in 2024 is rooted in a deep concern for the future of our country and the values we hold dear.
As a Marine, I cannot support a candidate who disrespects those who have served.
As a citizen and a Republican, I cannot support someone who incited an attack on our Capitol.
And as an advocate for peace and unity, I cannot vote for a leader who has contributed to the escalation of political violence.
It is time for America to move forward and choose a leader who truly represents the best of who we are and who will work to heal and unite our great nation.
Matthew Paul McCaffery is a Marine Corps combat veteran who now works as a risk management professional. He is a lifelong Republican who once served as vice mayor of the city of New Port Richey.
