EDITORIAL: Less tweeting, more leading

Jul. 17--Citizens of struggling nations should concentrate on rebuilding their countries to resemble the American ideal envisioned by aspiring immigrants.

That didn't sound too difficult to say, did it?

Then why didn't Donald Trump just say that?

Plenty of Americans are fed up with whining about how terrible America supposedly is. On Sunday, the president vocalized that fed-up sentiment -- but did so in an undignified way.

Here's what Trump recklessly typed on Twitter:

"So interesting to see 'Progressive' Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a functioning government at all), now loudly and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run. Why don't they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how it is done. These places need your help badly, you can't leave fast enough. I'm sure that Nancy Pelosi would be very happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements!"

Trump doubled down Monday with this tweet:

"We will never be a Socialist or Communist Country. IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY HERE, YOU CAN LEAVE! It is your choice, and your choice alone. This is about love for America. Certain people HATE our Country."

Apparently Trump directed his comments at four outspoken liberal freshman congresswomen colloquially called "the Squad": Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib. Actually, three of those lawmakers were born in the U.S. Omar emigrated from Somalia more than 20 years ago.

To suggest that these congresswomen leave the country is perhaps not the right way to deal with their numerous critical comments about our government.

Yes, the United States has problems and challenges. Instead of inviting these lawmakers to leave the country, perhaps he should ask them to stay to help solve some of the problems they are complaining about.

The president's comments should be positive, constructive and helpful. It is not a problem to disagree with fellow lawmakers. Our Founding Fathers had many disagreements and different ideas while constructing and adopting our founding principles.

One of the important characteristics that elevates a great person above good people is eloquent communication. And while Trump is admired for his off-the-cuff honesty, that's not what's needed here and now.

Taxpayers fund an entire White House full of staffers whose jobs, above little else, are to assure the president puts his best comments and suggestions forward. Trump should abandon tweeting and heed their professional advice.

Look at the instances when Trump has shone at his best. The State of the Union. The 75th anniversary of D-Day. This past Fourth of July. When he stays on message -- and more importantly doesn't deviate from carefully prepared comments -- the president acquits himself brilliantly.

Trump's enacted policies on jobs and trade are thankfully showing wonderful results. But on Sunday, he accomplished little else except distracting everyone from America's challenges, which he was elected to solve.

We didn't elect him to lob insults. We need him to continue leading our country forward.

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