To the editor: As a born-and-raised Dane, I discover Jonah Goldberg’s opinion piece on President-elect Donald Trump’s want to personal Greenland relatively foolish.
Certain, it will be good for the U.S. to personal Greenland, simply as it will be good for Denmark to personal Florida or the higher elements of Southern California — say, San Diego. These could be well-located for the Danes, as our climate leaves a bit to be desired.
Sure, Greenland’s location is strategically essential. However as part of Denmark, Greenland has all the time been a detailed ally of the U.S. and a participant within the North Atlantic Treaty Group, or NATO. Threatening to take over Greenland is past ludicrous and will spur European members to go away NATO and type their very own alliance. This might be a critical blow to U.S. affect on the earth.
By no means thoughts that China and Russia would be at liberty to annex all of Ukraine and Taiwan; in any case, they contemplate these locations strategically essential. The U.S. might mount no critical objections, because it has proven itself to be prepared to do such issues.
If the Greenlanders declare independence — as they’re speaking about — then that’s as much as them. However because the prime minister of Greenland has stated, they need to be Greenlanders, not Individuals.
Jens Thiberg, Chicago
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To the editor: Whereas Goldberg introduced a case primarily based on nationwide safety and pure assets for the USA to “purchase” Greenland, he blithely ignored crucial a part of the equation: the Greenlanders themselves.
Fashionable civilized nations don’t invade, purchase or in any other case annex one other nation with out the consent of the folks dwelling in that nation. To take action would violate probably the most primary of human rights, that of self-determination.
So except Greenlanders categorical a want to surrender their free public healthcare to change into a part of the upcoming debacle that’s the USA, it’s absurd to even discuss buying Greenland.
Leslie Stem, Gardena
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To the editor: In Goldberg’s current piece on the USA’ potential acquisition of Greenland, he referenced an earlier Trump suggestion of buying and selling Puerto Rico for it.
I’ve a maybe higher suggestion: California.
Give it some thought. Such a commerce would take away a persistent thorn from Trump’s aspect and supply Californians with a authorities that’s extra in tune with their visions on healthcare, training and the surroundings. Win win?
Steven Hamstrom, Mission Viejo
