"Donald Trump: Ban all Muslim travel to U.S."

2015-12-08T10:01:36-05:00

From: CNN

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump called Monday for barring all Muslims from entering the United States.

"Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on," a campaign press release said.

Trump, who has previously called for surveillance against mosques and said he was open to establishing a database for all Muslims living in the U.S., made his latest controversial call in a news release. His message comes in the wake of a deadly mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, by suspected ISIS sympathizers and the day after President Barack Obama asked the country not to "turn against one another" out of fear.

Trump's comments are likely to roil the Republican presidential race, forcing many of his opponents for the nomination to engage in a debate over whether there should be a religious test to enter America.

But his proposal was met with enthusiasm by many of his supporters, who showed their approval via social media as well as at his rally on Monday night.

"I think that we should definitely disallow any Muslims from coming in. Any of them. The reason is simple: we can't identify what their attitude is," said 75-year-old Charlie Marzka of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Moreover, the Muslim travel ban will likely do little to dent Trump's own popularity among Republican primary voters. The billionaire businessman has dominated the GOP contest for months despite repeated controversies that would likely sink other White House hopefuls.

"Without looking at the various polling data, it is obvious to anybody the hatred is beyond comprehension. Where this hatred comes from and why we will have to determine," Trump said in a statement. "Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in Jihad, and have no sense of reason or respect for human life."

Trump's campaign added in the release that such a ban should remain in effect "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on."

The release pointed to an online poll from the controversial Center for Security Policy, which claimed that a quarter of Muslims living in the U.S. believe violence against Americans is justified as part of a global jihadist campaign. Critics have questioned the reliability of the organization's information. It also pointed to a Pew Research poll, which the campaign declined to identify, which the campaign claimed points to "great hatred towards Americans by large segments of the Muslim population."

Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski told CNN on Monday that the ban would apply not just to Muslim foreigners looking to immigrate to the U.S., but also to Muslims looking to visit the U.S. as tourists.

"Everyone," Lewandowski said when asked if the ban would also apply to Muslim tourists.

"Great surveillance and vigilance must be adhered to," said Trump in an additional statement Lewandowski provided to CNN. "We want to be very fair but too many bad things are happening and the percentage of true hatred is too great. People that are looking to destroy our country must be reported and turned in by the good people who love our country and want America to be great again."

Trump confirmed that his policy would not apply to current Muslims in the U.S. during a Fox News interview on Monday evening.

"I have Muslim friends, Greta, and they're wonderful people. But there's a tremendous section and cross-section of Muslims living in our country who have tremendous animosity," he told Fox News anchor Greta Van Susteren. "It does not apply to people living in the country, except we have to be vigilant."

Obama administration condemns proposal
Obama's deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes reacted to Trump's call Monday on CNN, calling it "totally contrary to our values as Americans" and pointed to the Bill of Rights' protection of freedom of religion and pointing to the "extraordinary contributions" Muslim Americans have made to the U.S.

"But it's also contrary to our security," Rhodes told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room." "The fact of the matter is ISIL wants to frame this as a war between the United States and Islam, and if we look like we're applying religious tests to who comes into this country, we're sending a message that essentially we're embracing that frame and that is going to make it very difficult to partner with Muslim communities here in the United States and around the world to prevent the scourge of radicalization that we should be focused on."

"We should make it harder for ISIL to portray this as a war between the United States and Islam, not easier," Rhodes added, using another acronym for ISIS, the radical Islamist group that controls swaths of Syria and Iraq and has called for terror attacks against the U.S.

Trump has beat back criticism in recent weeks that he is bigoted against Muslims, even telling CNN on Saturday when asked whether Muslims pose a danger to the U.S. that he thinks Muslims "are great people."

"I love the Muslims. I think they're great people," Trump told CNN in September.

And when he became tied to the idea of creating a database of all Muslims living in the U.S., Trump sought to distance himself from that proposal -- insisting that the idea was a reporter's and he was not committed to it.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, speaking to members of the Muslim community earlier in the afternoon, echoed the President's sentiment on Sunday warning against divisiveness.

"Bitterness grows out of hopelessness, and there is no hopelessness in this situation, however uncomfortable and menacing it may be at times," he said. "Faith in the ultimate strength of the democratic philosophy and code of the Nation as a whole has always been stronger than the impulse to despair"

Republicans react
It didn't take long for the rest of the Republican presidential primary field to repudiate Trump's call.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie slammed Trump's proposal in a radio interview.

"This is the kind of thing that people say when they have no experience and don't know what they are talking about. We do not need to resort to that type of activity nor should we," Christie said on the Michael Medved radio show. "What we need to do is to increase our intelligence activities. We need to cooperate with peaceful Muslim Americans who want to give us intelligence against those who are radicalized."

And South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham called on every presidential candidate to "do the right thing & condemn @Realdonaldtrump's statement."

Graham later told CNN that Trump's rhetoric "is putting our troops serving abroad and our diplomats at risk."

"For interpreters and others risking their lives abroad to help America -- this is a death sentence," Graham said.

Graham just returned from a trip to visit troops in the Middle East and said from troops and allies there expressed concerns over Trump's rhetoric.

Graham said he assured them that Trump is in the minority, but Graham said Monday Trump's latest proposal makes it harder to convince them of that.

Another GOP presidential contender, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, said, "‎That is not my policy."

"I have introduced legislation in the Senate that would put in place a three year moratorium on refugees coming from countries where ISIS or al Qaeda control a substantial amount of territory. And the reason is that is where the threat is coming from," Cruz said as he was leaving a South Carolina field office.

In a statement, Ohio Gov. John Kasich said, "This is just more of the outrageous divisiveness that characterizes his every breath and another reason why he is entirely unsuited to lead the United States."

And former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush tweeted that Trump is "unhinged."

"Donald Trump is unhinged. His "policy" proposals are not serious," he said.

Former neurosurgeon Ben Carson also said is opposed to placing a religious test on U.S. visitors.

"Everyone visiting our country should register and be monitored during their stay as is done in many countries. I do not and would not advocate being selective on one's religion," he said in a statement.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul's campaign did not explicitly refute Trump's proposal.

"Sen. Rand Paul has led on the issue of border security, proposing real solutions. That's why earlier this month he introduced legislation to block visitors and immigrants from nations with known radical elements while a new system is developed to screen properly," said Sergio Gor, Paul's communications director, in a statement.

Former tech CEO Carly Fiorina said Trump's "overreaction" is as bad as Obama's "under reaction."

"President Obama isn't prepared to do anything, which is clearly foolish, but Donald Trump always plays on everyone's worst instincts and fears. And saying we're not going to let a single Muslim into this country is a dangerous overreaction," she said during a gaggle with reporters in Waterloo, Iowa.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said he disagrees with Trump.

"(Trump's) habit of making offensive and outlandish statements will not bring Americans together. The next president better be somebody who can unite our country to face the great challenges of the 21st Century," he said in a statement.

Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore tweeted, "Trump's fascist talk drives all minorities from GOP."

And former Vice President Dick Cheney, speaking with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, said such a policy goes against the spirit of America.

"This whole notion that somehow we can just say no more Muslims, just ban a whole religion, goes against everything we stand for and believe in," he said. "I mean, religious freedom has been a very important part of our history and where we came from."

Democrats slam Trump
Democrats were quick to condemn Trump's call, with two of the three Democratic presidential candidates calling Trump a "demagogue."

".@realdonaldtrump removes all doubt: he is running for President as a fascist demagogue," tweeted Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley, the former governor of Maryland.

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont also slammed Trump as a demagogue and suggested Trump's rhetoric would make the U.S. weaker.

"Demagogues throughout our history have attempted to divide us based on race, gender, sexual orientation or country of origin. Now, Trump and others want us to hate all Muslims. The United States is a great nation when we stand together. We are a weak nation when we allow racism and xenophobia to divide us," Sanders said in a statement.

Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, in a signed message, tweeted, "This is reprehensible, prejudiced and divisive. @RealDonaldTrump, you don't get it. This makes us less safe. -H"

And the Democratic National Committee sought to align the GOP as a whole alongside Trump.

"Donald Trump is indeed a 'net positive' for the Republican Party -- as their chairman called him -- because he shows America what the Republican Party really stands for with his rhetoric that only helps enemies like ISIL/Daesh to recruit extremists," said DNC spokeswoman Christina Freundlich.

Trump's call for a shutdown of Muslim immigration in the U.S. came hours before he was set to speak aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown, a World War II era ship parked near Charleston, South Carolina.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/07/politics/donald-trump-muslim-ban-immigration/

Donald Trump: Ban all Muslim travel to U.S. - CNNPolitics.com

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential front-runner, has called for barring all Muslims from entering the United States.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 10:02 AM

2015-12-08T10:02:29-05:00

he is feeding the fear and security voters .... ....

Response by MSG Tim Gray made Dec 8 at 2015 10:03 AM

2015-12-08T10:03:44-05:00

Wrong choice of words, he should have stated, stop all immigration.

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Dec 8 at 2015 10:20 AM

2015-12-08T10:20:50-05:00

We have been needing to stop immigration untill we can control our borders and economy. Like we use to. We don't have good paying jobs any more , and yes these immigrants and including the illegals ARE taking over entire lines of work Americans want ! I worked in the LTL Freight business , I would deliver or pick up freight at approx . 20 to 25 businesses a day. Over the years 1979 - 2012. I watched this country loose job after job to foreign country's and to illegal foreign workers , 1 company
called " trader Joe's". Had so many illegals in the warehouse you could not find 1 person who could speak English , they had truck drivers with no class A lic. No green cards no hazmat training , as for these Syrian and others from Islamic Countrys ? yes. Stop it. If we can not control who comes into this country ! We loose control of our country .
Oh and if you don't believe that ? Ask a Native American , ask the Aztec , ( not Mexican) ask the history books about the crusades , that were not strated by Christians trying to take over the world , that was the response to Islamic hordes trying to take over . And don't forget that not only the leaders of CIAR, but the organization it's self was a suspected terror supporter , and any people who come to this country always seem to want us to change to their ways ? Constitutional rights out way their Islamic laws. Period
And Obama will not get his BS back ground check in place to protect us from. ISLAMIC terrorist
That is not fear , just plain common sense , lacking in the Islamacrat party

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Dec 8 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-12-08T10:29:05-05:00

You know, everyone wants something done; as long as it doesn't offend anyone. But I can't think of anything more offensive than one group of people wanting to kill you, because of the way you practice your religion. It was terrible what we had to do after December 7th 1941; but sometimes had to be done. Right wrong or indifferent, do something.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Dec 8 at 2015 11:19 AM

2015-12-08T11:19:14-05:00

At least he is looking for ways to be pro-active when dealing with a real dangerous problem that we have here in the US! He's getting his message to the American people and it's good enough to make you guys react.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 8 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-12-08T11:35:45-05:00

Trump's call to ban all Muslim immigration including visits to the US for any and all reasons reflects American's growing fear of the terrorism they might bring, but is that the role of a leader? I know that it's hard to remember what a real leader looks like since we haven't had one in Washington for many years. Shouldn't a leader provide us with a vision for safeguarding the nation, build a consensus behind that vision, and then oversee its implementation? I'm tempted to hearken back to the days of FDR when he told us that "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself", but isn't he the President who also had the Japanese interned during WWII. Sounds a lot like the course of action that Trump might follow. To be realistic, even if you could completely stop all Muslim immigration and visits from Muslim nations, our enemies have plenty of candidates already here to radicalize.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Dec 8 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-12-08T12:57:24-05:00

Hitler didn't want Jews, Trump doesn't want Muslims. Any way you slice it, he's un-American. As a patriot I detest him. Pansies who've never served always talk tough since they aren't.

Response by 1LT Aaron Barr made Dec 8 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-12-08T13:33:38-05:00

How many citizens from the Central Powers did Wilson permit to immigrate to this country during WWI? How many citizens of the Axis Powers did FDR permit to immigrate to this country during WWII? Did either of these two lecture the American people about needing to be more tolerant and understanding of the ideological systems of these nations or praise their accomplishments or blame America for them being at war with us?

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Dec 8 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-12-08T14:45:03-05:00

Two words, Donny: Timothy McVeigh.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-12-08T15:24:31-05:00

Immigration is a very tricky issue. Its impossible to totally close borders. Also we are a nation of immigrants; we have very cherished values of freedom to practice any religion. Its always been the eternal dilemma of balancing national security and safety with our cherished values. I don't claim to have the answers; I do think more restrictive immigration policies and stronger national security vetting is needed, it shouldn't be directed at one race or religion, of course, but it may be possible that some people of fit certain descriptions would have to be looked at. If a cop says a suspect has blond hair, blue eyes 5 feet 10 and thin, you aren't gong to look at people with dark hair or not thin. The news came up that email/cell phone monitoring has been curtailed or reduced on the wake of the Snowden situation just before that. I personally don't like to be monitored.; but I'll be happy to be monitored if it protects us. (I would advocated that if such monitoring is allowed; action be limited to threats to national security or to lives; lord knows how many embarassing things we say. Some people may have to be temporarily inconvenienced if it saves lives. If a suspicious looking person but innocent person is caused to miss a fight, apologize and compensate them, but the delay is wroth saving lives.

I know its a tough time for the vast majority of Muslims who are innocent and peace-loving. Many service in our military and government, we have Muslim chaplains; Muslims serve in the IDF and Israeli Knesset, and even the Israeli Supreme Court. I have worked with Muslim students s a teacher; I see quite a few in the JROTC programs.

Politicians seem to be be appealing to the far left or right. Wherever the best answer lies, it needs to come from common sense, thoughtful, objective, careful, critical thinking using all the problem-solving steps using careful objective, empirical intelligence and analysis; and yes, we need to act promptly, but not quick feel-good solutions that lack this process.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Dec 8 at 2015 5:57 PM

2015-12-08T17:57:02-05:00

Example: talking without engaging brain. I'm not for opening the doors and letting just anyone in, but I'm not going to call for locking the doors altogether.

Response by SGT Dana Williams made Dec 8 at 2015 9:22 PM

2015-12-08T21:22:51-05:00

Jimmy Carter banned Iranians from entry in 1979.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 8 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-12-08T21:41:43-05:00

What about Muslims who are American citizens, particularly if they were born here and/or are serving in the US military? What about Muslim service members who are returning from an overseas deployment? Would they not be allowed back into their own country?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 10:24 PM

2015-12-08T22:24:55-05:00

Trump should of used a different approach or should of chosen different words. Like "Stop All Immigration". I feel we need to get things under control.

JM $0.02

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Dec 9 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-12-09T15:14:34-05:00

Can't be any worse than what we already have.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-12-09T16:52:47-05:00

Thankfully, this reason in particular is a prime example of why this nation is a Democratic Republic, and not a Democracy. In a standard democracy, an irrational movement such as Donald Trump suggests would only require the support of the majority of voters, effectively allowing the government to oppress the rights of a minority group of individuals. This time the Muslims, next, the Christians, and so on. Thankfully, this wonderful Republic is restricted to abide by the laws of our governing document, The US Constitution, which strictly prohibits the government from passing such laws as Mr. Trump and his uneducated voter base are condoning. That in itself helps this wonderful nation to prevent a temporary fear to spur permanent change by Politicians such and Donald Trump from using the current situation to increase the power of the government and strip Americans of their rights.

Now, if we can just ensure a Supreme Court to effectively administer the laws of the Constitution to limit the powers of government the way intended, we can get past this ridiculous nonsense and move toward effective solutions to the radical Islamic epidemic.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Dec 9 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-12-09T20:45:16-05:00

He likely has supporters here as well per his proposal.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Dec 9 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-12-09T22:15:28-05:00

seconded.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/09/muslim-american-soldiers-to-trump-stfu.html

Muslim-American Soldiers To Trump: STFU

Americans in uniform and decorated veterans—who just happen to be Muslim—have some choice words for draft-dodging Donald Trump.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 9 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-12-09T22:25:50-05:00

His polling numbers are up by 5% in SC. Seems as if the unholy alliance between the press and the establishment Republicans isn't working so far.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 9 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-12-09T23:25:33-05:00

Since one has to assume that Trump is not a dummy because he is a billionaire, we have to assume he cares nothing for the United States or he wouldn't make such statements.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 9 at 2015 11:27 PM

2015-12-09T23:27:28-05:00

Non-concur.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Dec 10 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-12-10T00:50:17-05:00

Go ahead and ban them. Then don't complain when DisneyWorld closes because most of the 59.6 million people who visit annually from Europe, The Middle East and Africa stop coming because of that ruling. Do you think we'll have the "Orlando visa exception?" You need to understand how much our economy depends on foreign investments. Banning Muslims in some knee jerk reaction isn't smart business.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Dec 10 at 2015 2:11 AM

2015-12-10T02:11:46-05:00

Thoughts?

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Dec 10 at 2015 6:08 PM

2015-12-10T18:08:37-05:00

Hey, this is for all you "fans of the ban." A few things to consider. 58 million visitors of year fly to Orlando from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. If half of them are the dreaded Muslims, how much revenue will Disney and Orlando lose given each one of them drops about $500 a day (per person) vice $125 by Americans like Honey Boo Boo. Saudi Arabia sent 54,000 cash paying, full tuition students here. Think the Universities, nearby landlords, car dealers, pizza delivery guys and others will notice or not care if they don't come back from Christmas break? Does Ore-Ida potatoes really want to continue selling their very popular products in the region? Will Ford want to lose their #1 dealership in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? Kuwait is the 4th largest consumer (per capita) of beef in the world after the US, Canada and Australia. Does the Idaho beef council understand this Point is, all banning people does is make them go elsewhere for the same services. This isn't 1960 when we were the only providers of certain goods and services. So is banning them a smart move? When Trump says "just until Congress figures it out..." Took 13 years to fix/remove "no child left behind" so it might be a decade before the ban was lifted and by them, people would have found viable alternatives and at that point the USA brands is ruined. I've only mentioned a few areas to consider, but forgot to mention "who will now rent the Royal suites in Trump Towers?" Hmmmm, those pesky unintended outcomes.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 21 at 2015 10:52 PM

2015-12-21T22:52:21-05:00

What he really said and I agree with this.
""Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on," a campaign press release said."

There are so many holes in our immigration/refugee program, that we can not even get a small bit of comfort from the way it is being run today. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to at a minimum protect the citizens of our country. Fiance' exemption, tracking over stays and those here with temporary visas, for example. What were the circumstances of those that perpetrated 9-11 and the San Bernardino massacre? And the vetting is extremely loose, or that wouldn't have happened. Economic refugees are not on the list for entrance due to being a refugee. Tighten up our mechanisms for temporatys and those that we are allowing entry at taxpayer expense.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 2 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-01-02T21:02:29-05:00

Americans are not yet convinced that world terrorism presents much or any real threat to US, hence the unwillingness to strenuously engage them and limits our efforts to feeble bombing and now a few special forces. (How did carpet bombing work out for US in RVN?) Until bombs start going off in America on a fairly regular basis, we will continue to show restraint and fight them(as POTUS says) within our own cultural value system. Daesh and world terrorism are playing for keeps and the only way to 'control or contain' them will be to wage total and all out war on their own terms in ways only they can understand, brutal and with total disregard for casualties. Being nice and honorable with them is not going to work. It didn't work in Iraq or Afgan or RVN or Korea or anything in between. DT is out front on this crisis and some people are uncomfortable to face that draconian measures must be taken against World Terrorists.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made May 13 at 2016 11:00 AM

2016-05-13T11:00:56-04:00

Trump did not say he din't like Muslims. He said there is an issue going on inside the Islamic Ummah. Should we be like Europe and create a new civilization through chaos with Islamic immigration?

I bet a pay check, there are active duty senior enlisted and officer corp Americans getting to know the enemy and planning to defeat it. But, the real enemy of this country are those allowing/assisting the growth of a problem.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made May 13 at 2016 7:06 PM

2016-05-13T19:06:30-04:00

How does one know when someone's a Muslim? You'd have to ask, as there are no genetic tests that will identify a religious affiliation.

How does one know if someone's a terrorist?

See the problem?

Or do we just want to stop letting "brown" people in?

You know in the Soldier's Creed, when we swear to defend the "American way of life"? That's not it. We cede our moral authority--FURTHER cede--any moral authority we may still have when we accept this sort of rhetoric.

Further, if you've ever been the the Holocaust Museum in D.C., and studied the narrative that led to the Holocaust, Jews were turned away by numerous countries, only to have to eventually return to Germany, and the results were staggeringly bad. When people look back at my generation, I don't want that on my resume.

I'd rather err on the side of mercy and justice than to hide behind a false veneer of security.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-06-07T11:55:20-04:00

How quickly we forget: 1980 Jimmy Carter "The Secretary of Treasury [State] and the Attorney General will invalidate all visas issued to Iranian citizens for future entry into the United States, effective today. We will not reissue visas, nor will we issue new visas, except for compelling and proven humanitarian reasons or where the national interest of our own country requires. This directive will be interpreted very strictly."

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Aug 1 at 2016 10:58 AM

2016-08-01T10:58:52-04:00

He is nothing but a reincarnation of Hitler. Hitler used the Jews as scapegoat for their economy. In turn, Trump blames the Muslims, Blacks, Mexican, etc for being murderers, rapist. terrorists, etc. I have many friends that are those ethnicity including Caucasians. There is no place for hate in my body. I simply love everyone including those that seems to belittle me for no reason. I'm not always about race wars and shit.