I am not the least bit proud of what I am about to admit, but … here goes. Donald J. Trump brings out my worst instincts.

Here is the example I want to cite: When word came out this weekend that several members of the White House staff have tested positive for the coronavirus, I was filled with overwhelming indifference over the prospect of the president of the United States becoming infected by the virus.

There you go. I admit to feeling not a twinge of fear for Donald Trump. Why not? I only can point to the indifference he has exhibited toward others who have suffered at the hands of the virus.

This individual is reaping what he has sown in my conscience about him in this time of dire national peril.

Do I want him to become deathly ill and suffer the agony that others have suffered in this country? No. My religious upbringing and my faith instructs me to cast aside such a hideous wish on any human being. It’s just that the indifference toward the elected leader of my beloved country is something I never have felt … until now!

Trump has declared the virus is “under control.” He was slow to mobilize the medical and scientific forces needed to do battle against this “invisible enemy.” Yet he wants to be known as a “wartime president.” He is a bad joke masquerading as a leader.

He now is known to have dismissed wearing a protective mask because it would make him look “ridiculous” and that it would give his political foes ammunition to use against him in negative campaign ads. Seriously? If anything, the sight of the president of the United States wearing a mask while visiting medical workers or patients would be a sign of strength, of caring, of leading by a positive example.

This guy can’t bring himself to do the very thing that millions of the rest of us are doing to protect ourselves while we venture into the great unknown, which I shudder to think happens to be the grocery store around the corner or to a service station to purchase fuel for our motor vehicles.

I take no comfort, either, in believing that I am not alone in this feeling of burning indifference toward Donald Trump. I know others share my view, just as other Americans are deeply concerned for him.

That’s a call we make individually. I have made mine.