Trump’s comments

President Donald Trump calling the U.S. justice system a laughing stock in the aftermath of the New York City terror attack does nothing to fortify homeland security or prevent attacks. If anything, it reinforces the president’s inability to articulate a response that is intelligent, strategic and motivational.

The terror attack in New York appears to be yet another example of radicalization of an individual separate and distinct from association of any identified planning cell or group. In addition, the methodology used in New York was consistent with lone wolf tactics all too uncommon on the global stage, including several attacks in London and Paris the past two years. Many in law enforcement agree that pre-identification and prevention of such atrocities is virtually impossible.

Interestingly, reports of social media giants Facebook, Twitter and Google meeting with the House Intelligence Committee on the Russia trolling phenomenon before and after the 2016 presidential election is encouraging. It represents perhaps the beginning of a private-public partnership necessary to advance new strategic thinking around homeland security.

Pursuit and assurance of freedom of speech and privacy are principles that have served United States citizens well and should not be discarded or dismissed in the interest of perceived public safety threats. There is a balance that can best be reached through early conversation and development of a practical framework that is transparent and inclusive of all stakeholders including the general public.

Trump once again is, unfortunately, demonstrating his authoritarian preferences.

Paul A. Biedrzycki Milwaukee