U.S. birthright citizenship

Re “Trump mostly wrong about immigration” (Jan. 29):

Your editorial is inaccurate on so many counts but the most blatant is your quote from the 14th Amendment: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States … are citizens of the United States.” Hmmm, what did you leave out, represented by those little “…”? Omitted was: “and subject to the jurisdiction there of.” A telling remark by Sen. Jacob Howard, who participated in the creation of Amendments 13 and 14, regarding the “question of citizenship,” is recorded in the Congressional Record on May 30, 1866, under the heading of “Reconstruction.” “This will not, of course, include persons born into the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of embassadors [sic] or foreign minister.” Hence, babies born to those coming over our border illegally are citizens of their mother’s home country, not ours.

— Betty Robinson, Tustin

Eaton fire

Re “Study: Altadena’s Black community bears brunt of fire” (Jan. 29):

First, take notice how quickly this study was produced. The main finding reported was that the authors found more Black households were affected than white households (61% versus 50%). The study posits that this discrepancy (which is quite small) is proof that years-ago redlining and systemic inequality contributed to fire vulnerability. The Black households were not closer to the Eaton fire zone. So, the readers are to conclude that the origin of the fire (Edison power lines, arson or other) knew exactly where to erupt to ensure that a larger portion of Black households would be affected. What utterly ridiculous reasoning! This is another example of academics reducing events such as a wildfire to racial disparities.

— Jacqueline Zuanich-Ferrell, Manhattan Beach

Trump’s response turns political

Re “Copter, jet crash over the Potomac” (Jan. 30):

I believe that President Trump owes an apology to the families of the passengers and crew of the commercial airliner, as well as the families of the crew of the Army helicopter, who were the victims of a midair crash in our nation’s capital. President Trump began admirably with a condolence speech from the White House, but instead of stopping with words of comfort for all those affected by this national tragedy, in less than 24 hours after the accident he proceeded to turn it into a political speech. The moment called only for compassion.

— Lance Poldberg, Lake Elsinore

Trump funding freeze

Re “Trump spending freeze halted” (Jan. 30):

So for years, presidents and legislators have doled out billions to a wide variety of applicants. Now President Trump has placed a “temporary” freeze on all this largesse ostensibly, so his people can examine whether the funds are for DEI or not. Many of these recipients are up in arms and have found the money to petition the courts to stop his examination. How is he to reduce federal spending if his teams don’t have time to audit all this outlay? How are we ever going to control the $35 billion national debt if we can’t take a moment to stop and ask questions? Are these funds so critical that they can’t wait for a pause?

— Hayden Lening, Claremont

Crocodile tears at the AP

Re “Trump offering federal workers buyouts” (Jan. 29):

AP is aghast that Trump is trying to cut our bloated federal government. Crying their crocodile tears, they inform us that “buyouts could send shockwaves, trigger widespread disruptions”, wha, wha. And all employees that stay need to be “loyal,” their favorite adjective when referring to Trump appointments. Your libertarian editorial page has long called for cuts in big government and their endless inflation inducing borrowing. I tend to side with your deep thinkers. Were we supposed to vote for Kamala and Tim and let them waltz in more of the same? Oh, and I am sure they would have appointed politicians that were not loyal to them? We are $36 trillion in debt (that is reported) and counting yet they always ignore the national debt. Please seek better sources for your national news.

— Barry E. Zanck, Newport Beach