The media and intellectuals are laughing at President Donald Trump’s idea that the United States would acquire Greenland from Denmark. I laughed out loud when I first heard what seemed like a crazy idea.
Trump’s argument is that Greenland has strategic military and national security value for the United States. He also bets that the giant island has other rare and undiscovered assets. There is no doubt that it will serve as a strategic buffer between the United States and other adversaries, including Russia and possibly China. (Related: John Teichert: Greenland is a strategic treasure trove)
This would be a purchase, not a conquest. But does it make sense? Let’s turn back the clock.
Anyone who paid attention to an American history class in high school would know thatSeward’s Folly“this is american acquisition It was established in Alaska in 1867 by then-Secretary of State William Seward. The price tag is 7 million dollars. This would be the equivalent of less than $1 billion today, or less than the amount spent by the U.S. government. every day. Alaska has more 2 or more times It was the size of Texas, so Russia effectively gave it to us.
The Alaska purchase drew widespread condemnation. criticism;It was “”ice box” It was considered uninhabitable and more suitable for polar bears than humans.
How wrong the skeptics were. Alaska has a lot of yukon territory gold coin and played strategic role During World War II. Then, not surprisingly, large deposits were discovered on the northern slopes of Alaska. oil and gas. No doubt President Putin would like to add Alaska to his portfolio today.
Thank God for William Seward.
The idea of buying land to expand freedom and America’s manifest destiny predates the purchase of Alaska. For the first 100 years of our nation’s history, we repeatedly acquired land to expand America’s territory. The most famous is that of Thomas Jefferson. louisiana purchase — This roughly doubled the land area of the United States from its original 13 colonies/states. The acquisition was also criticized as a “land grab.” However, it was the gateway to Western development.
Florida came along soon after. virtual gift From Spain. The “Republic of Texas” is an independent territory that voluntarily joined the United States, and we willingly and wisely brought the Lone Star State in the crease.
Needless to say, none of these acquisitions or additions were “stupid.”
Now, let’s return to Greenland. Why does Denmark need it? It’s hard to imagine anything that brings more income, wealth, and security. less than If 100,000 people live in Greenland, that’s better than putting up an American flag and making it American territory. Residents of Greenland will be able to bequeath one of the greatest assets on earth to their children: a U.S. passport.
We’re on the topic of acquisitions, but if Trump is really thinking big, he could propose reclaiming land from Mexico along a 50- to 160-mile stretch of coastline stretching from San Diego to the Pacific Coast. should also be considered. If Mexico were to sell the land to us, this idyllic seaside property could instantly become some of the most valuable land in the world, with prices likely rising 10 to 20 times. You will.
Let’s do another thought experiment here. Imagine how rich Cuba would be today if it were an American territory. Cuba can and will become the Hong Kong of the Western Hemisphere, if it detours from its nearly 70-year long journey to communism.
Trump is not an imperialist. He wants to spread freedom, prosperity and peace to many parts of the world. The old joke about Greenland is that it is neither Greenland nor land mass.
It’s a huge iceberg. Plant an American flag on that ice and suddenly it becomes a sought-after property.
Stephen Moore is a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation and co-founder of Unleash Prosperity. His latest book is “The Trump Economic Miracle.”
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