Trump's ban: President's move taken without regard for individuals

President Donald Trump has ordered steps to restrict immigration into this country from more than a half dozen predominantly Muslim countries.

We understand the rationale behind his decision. After all, Trump vowed throughout his campaign to take action to keep potential terrorists from entering the United States.

But his heavy handed methods have drawn criticism from a wide range of people, many inside his own party. His orders have caused confusion and panic at the nation's airports and called into question the American ideal of this nation as a beacon of hope and freedom.

Trump spokesmen said the ban is a small price to pay to keep the nation safe. But is America really a safer place because of the ban? It seems a little hard to see how it will accomplish much. It does not address homegrown terrorism, which is a chief concern of law enforcement, and it gives terrorists overseas ammunition with which to recruit new blood.

We wish the president had taken a more measured approach to the problem. But taking measured approaches is not Trump's style and we should prepare ourselves for more such sudden initiatives. He's just getting started.

Published in Editorials on January 30, 2017 10:10 AM