Just how is this making America great again?

On Feb. 16, Susan Shelley praised unelected Elon Musk, head of DOGE, for cutting “government waste” by getting rid of the funding for social services that millions of poor and vulnerable people depend on, education, Social Security, Medicare and environmental protection. And all this while having full access to the financial information of all taxpaying Americans! He’s likewise terminating USAID. It’s not just charity, but sensible investments in other countries, which pay dividends by helping low-income countries achieve economic and social development, which turns out to be an investment into the livelihood of all but the uber rich. So, Ms. Shelley, how, exactly, does this help make America great again?

— Robert Archerd, Rancho Palos Verdes

Undocumented America

Here is a news flash for Andre Mouchard: There is no undocumented America. “Without full legal authority” is a cover up for illegal as is “unauthorized people.” Here is another euphemism for illegal: “unauthorized immigrants.” There is a legal way to enter this country and law-abiding citizens welcome those who want to come to this country and follow the law to do so. To couch illegal immigrants or illegal aliens in any other language does not change their legal status and is transparently disingenuous.

— Karen Kirby, Mission Viejo

Trump’s presidency

Mr. Greenhut and I agree on many issues, but today I accuse him of Trump Derangement Syndrome. His entire column Feb. 16 is about his fear of Trump becoming a king or dictator by eliminating our system of checks and balances. Yet he refutes his entire premise when he acknowledges near the end that Trump “will abide by court rulings but appeal them.” Sounds pretty mild to me. Unfortunately this is part of the pattern of Mr. Greenhut’s columns. He talks about principles and liberty but when push comes to shove he’s all, “Wait, let calmer minds prevail” like every RINO I’ve ever despised. And he just does not like Donald Trump, and it infuses his opinions. Personally, I am a long-time libertarian and I don’t particularly like President Trump’s style but we need a strong executive willing to take real action. We will be safer in the world and from our own government, and likely more prosperous, under his presidency.

— Dan O’Neil, Grand Terrace