No.Nonsense.

Given that, yes, I voted for Donald Trump (a decision I’ve questioned at times), I have friends who are now asking for my opinion on the situation with Greenland. You asked- I’m answering.

Looking at it from a geographical viewpoint, Greenland is a prime spot for defense of North America. With its location near the Arctic Circle, it provides a strategic position to protect us from both Russia and China who, from their land masses, have entry points into those northern waterways. Additionally, it allows for restrictions of the waterways connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and sits on a major transport route through the Arctic.

In addition to its defensible position, it has one of the largest untapped oil deposits as well as rare earth deposits in the world. The nations that control these deposits control all manner of transportation, manufacturing, and technological development. These resources can make or break a nation depending on who controls them.

I repeatedly hear that all we want in the US is oil. My question for you is, is it better for the US to have control of the resources or China and Russia. Both China and Russia have deplorable human rights records. I, for one, would not want for either of those countries to determine my future and that of my child or grandchild. If they hold these cards then they hold our future.

Now, before you cut me off because you disagree with me to this point, read on, please.

Though I support us having a prime position in the Arctic Circle, the way that Trump is approaching it is, as my grandma would say, bassackwards. What he is doing is coming in and trying to strong arm an autonomous country to surrender itself to our will. He may not be dropping bombs but the result is no different than Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukraine.

Greenland may be a colony of Denmark but they still have the right to determine their own future. And if they say they don’t want to be a part of the US, they have the right to say no.

Furthermore, his threats of tariffs to make the NATO nations bow to his will is despotic and has no place in US foreign policy.

The best course of action would be to provide the benefits of allowing us a greater presence on the land of Greenland and in their waters. Negotiate with them and make it a mutually beneficial partnership.

We are not a Nanny-state and should not be acting like one. We have no place forcing our will on the rest of the world and burning the bridges between us and our allies. If we continue on this path, we will end up as an island unto ourselves, pushing the rest of the world toward those leaders who wish to dominate that world.