Readers respond to Question of the Week:

Which Day One edicts will succeed?

Trump’s birthright decree

I disagree with President Trump’s official decree changing birthright citizenship, attempting to make it unconstitutional that babies born in the U.S. become automatic citizens. Contrary to what Trump has said, the U.S. is not the only country in the world to grant these rights. Yes, babies are especially vulnerable human beings, deserving these undeniable U.S. rights. Finally, not only as an advocate for women’s reproductive rights, but also U.S. birthright citizenship is supported by pregnant mothers, immigrant rights groups and the American Civil Liberties Union!

— Isadora Johnson, Seal Beach

Trump’s Day One

When the Constitution was established on Sept. 17, 1787, there was a population of about 25 million. Mass immigration (i.e. labor) was the “merit” for immigration laws at that time. Open mass immigration is possible now by its relatively low cost compared to 1787. Our sovereignty requirements have changed. We cannot sustain uncontrolled immigration. So merit-based immigration is more important than ever. The founders of the and writers of the Constitution didn’t anticipate the growth of the population of today. Trump’s executive orders are a first step to changing the Constitution to alter this issue and we certainly don’t require criminals.

— Tom Hersh, Newport Beach

Doubtful any will succeed

This provocative question was pretty much answered by the adjacent thoughtful column by Rafael Perez. It is unlikely any of Trump’s promises will succeed, at least to the extent that he hopes. His illegal immigrant expulsion program (based more on intended cruelty than practical economic policy) can, and should, get rid of thousands of convicted criminals, but court filings and resistance from many states will make this program slow and tedious. What Trump can do, and probably will, is mess up this planet’s climate problems even more, forcing his ignorance of, and indifference to, science on us for another four years. Of course, he could always issue another executive order that there shall be no more deadly heat waves, punishing tornadoes or destructive hurricanes. Good luck with that!

— Robert Apfelzweig, San Clemente