Donald Trump cannot make America great again. He doesn’t even understand what makes the United States a great nation. Trump does not share basic beliefs with his fellow citizens. He insists he can disregard the Constitution. He demands that dissent be silenced. He believes intimidation is an effective form of leadership. He wants political opponents put in jail, and threatens physical and legal abuse against Americans who disagree with him.

These are not the values of freedom-loving Americans. This is a prescription for tyranny. No wonder Donald Trump admires the world’s dictators.

I learned what it meant to be a citizen of the United States when I was young. I learned our country’s values in school and at home. After a lifetime as a Republican, I’m shocked that the party’s leading candidate rejects the basic principles that have previously defined us as a nation.

If elected, Trump rejects constitutional constraint on his powers as President

When asked about executive orders, Trump said “I won’t refuse it. I’m going to do a lot of things … I mean, he’s led the way, to be honest with you," referring to President Obama. "But I’m going to use them much better and they’re going to serve a much better purpose than he’s done.”

When told the military won’t follow illegal orders, Trump insisted, “They won’t refuse. They’re not gonna refuse me. Believe me … I’m a leader, I’ve always been a leader. I’ve never had any problem leading people. If I say do it, they’re going to do it.”

If elected, Trump will clamp down on freedom of the press using laws, mockery, and even physical abuse.

“I’m gonna open up our libel laws, so when they write purposely negative and horrible, false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money. We’re going to open up those libels laws, so that when The New York Times writes a hit piece, which is a total disgrace, or when The Washington Post, which is there for other reasons, writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win money.”

In response to a reporter’s question, “Oh, you’re so politically correct. You’re so beautiful. Oh, look at you. Awwww. Aw, he’s so. Oh, I know. You’ve never heard a little bad, a little off, language. I know, you’re so perfect. Aren’t you perfect. Aren’t you just a perfect young man. Give me a break. You know what? It’s stuff like that that people in this country are tired of. It’s stuff like that.”

Journalist Jorge Ramos: “I thought that was impossible that I would ever see something like that in the United States, which is a direct attack on freedom of the press. He called his bodyguard to throw me out of a press conference. In my 30 years as a journalist, I have never been ejected from a press conference.”

Trump’s campaign manager allegedly grabbed a reporter’s arm and jerked her away while she was asking a question. Trump said, “Perhaps she made the story up. I think that’s what happened.”

If elected, Trump would lock up political prisoners like they do in Russia, China, Venezuela, etc.

Trump on protesters: “I hope these guys get thrown into a jail. They’ll never do it again. It’ll destroy their record. They’ll have to explain to mom and dad why they have a police record and why they can’t get a job. And you know what? I’m going to start pressing charges against all these people, OK? … The only way that we’re going to stop this craziness is if we press charges. Because then their lives are going to be ruined.”

If elected, Trump will continue to threaten his fellow Americans.

Sanders is “lying when he says his disruptors aren’t told to go to my rallies. Be careful Bernie, or my supporters will go to yours!” “Paul Ryan, I don’t know him well, but I’m sure I’m going to get along great with him, and if I don’t, he’s going to have to pay a big price.”

“So if you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of ‘em, would you? Seriously. Okay? Just knock the hell — I promise you, I will pay for the legal fees. I promise. I promise.”

When asked if Trump would pay legal costs for Trump supporter John McGraw, who was charged with assault and battery for sucker-punching a protester, Trump said, “I’ve actually instructed my people to look into it, yes.”

If elected, Trump will continue to admire tyrants.

“I always felt fine about Putin, I think that he’s a strong leader. He’s a powerful leader … He’s actually got a popularity within his country. They respect him as a leader.”

Regarding the Tiananmen Square Massacre: "Chinese government almost blew it. Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength. That shows you the power of strength. Our country is right now perceived as weak.“

"You know, Saddam Hussein was a bad guy. But one thing about him: He killed terrorists. Saddam Hussein understood and he killed terrorists.”

Legions of fans have been attracted to Trump’s warped prescriptions for our plights. This is sad. Americans used to share common principles. These ideas were a given and they made us exceptional. Even if you ignore Trump’s rabid attacks on friend and foe, he violates our most important values, our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. If he rules as he talks, his philosophy of governance will defile us.

Many of Trump’s apologists claim he doesn’t really mean what he says, that these outlandish declarations are merely meant to grab people’s attention. But what if he does means them? What if he means more? What if we are seeing only the simmering surface of his depravity? If so, then Donald Trump will fundamentally transform America into something no real American will recognize.

Because I refuse to be a party to the demise of the greatest republic in history, if Trump becomes the Republican nominee, I will register and vote Libertarian.