Re "Arguing the Primacy of States' Rights--Sometimes," Opinion, Aug. 27: I agree with Edward P. Lazarus that states' rights led to a shameful history of slavery and discrimination. However, Lazarus should take note of how the problem was solved: The 13th Amendment outlawed slavery and the 14th Amendment outlawed discrimination by state law.
If the Constitution is to be changed so that other rights are taken from the states, it should be done by amendment. This process is much more durable and democratic than hoping that we can elect a president who will appoint Supreme Court justices who will alter the Constitution on their own.
