It’s really disturbing that so many Americans support Donald Trump’s candidacy for president. As an American, it embarrasses me, but it’s scary too. He could win the White House – just consider that for a moment.

I read a powerful Huffington Post piece about a week ago, an open letter to Mr. Trump from a wounded Marine. The author, Justin Constantine, reminds readers that Mr. Trump lacks integrity, doesn’t understand veterans, embraces dictators, and is a racist.

Then I searched online for more information about Mr. Constantine. We are talking about an extraordinary human being.

Here’s a paragraph from his website: “As a Marine officer, Justin volunteered for deployment to Iraq in 2006, and served as a Civil Affairs Team Leader while attached to an infantry battalion. While on a routine combat patrol, Justin was shot in the head by a sniper. Although the original prognosis was that he had been killed in action, Justin survived. Through teamwork and a positive mental attitude, he has had quite a successful recovery. Justin now speaks to audiences large and small about personal leadership, the critical role of teamwork in facing life’s challenges, and the upside of change. He applies his incredible story of overcoming adversity to every level of an organization, and all audiences to move beyond the challenges they are facing in their own lives.”

Here’s another paragraph: “Through his journey of courage, injury, resilience and triumph, Justin demonstrates that we are all stronger than we think we are. His personal story of recovery and success is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and the message he shares applies to every member of the audience. All will leave inspired to attack any difficulties in their own lives, and will search out opportunities to excel at work and at home.”

There’s nothing presidential about Mr. Trump; he’s a narcissistic bigot masquerading as a leader. This has gotten so out of hand. This isn’t something you want to be on the wrong side of, dear reader.

We’re talking about a dark, ugly moment in America’s political history, a dangerous time for the country and the world. We need to stop pretending that he has no chance in a general election.

Quite evidently, America isn’t working for all Americans these days and we’ve seen that play out in the candidacies of both Mr. Trump and Sen. Bernie Sanders. But even a cursory examination of Mr. Trump’s policy prescriptions tells us that he doesn’t have the answers for which many Americans may be searching. He shouldn’t be able to ride to the Oval on this toxic mix of racism, xenophobia, misogyny, isolationism, dishonesty and ignorance. Now is not the time to sit around and do nothing or say nothing; the stakes are simply too high.

Real patriots don’t vote Trump.