to the editor: I never thought I'd say “bravo” to Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). However, I was encouraged by his statement on President Trump's proposed U.S. ownership of Greenland: “Using force to seize the sovereign democratic territory of one of America's most loyal and capable allies would be an especially catastrophic act of strategic self-harm for the United States and its global influence” (“Republican senators break with Trump to stop use of the military without congressional approval,” January 8).
Above all, we must respect the territories of our NATO allies. Many would feel ashamed and embarrassed if our country resorted to imperialist tactics such as invasion and/or seizure of sovereign territory.
Certainly, the United States could offer to buy Greenland from Denmark, but Denmark does not seem willing to sell. As an ally, we must respect their wishes. Congratulations to the members of Congress who stand up to Trump on this issue!
Jill Anderson, Pismo Beach
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to the editor: Trump's alleged desire to acquire Greenland through threat or coercion resembles a geopolitical heist, more akin to a street robbery in Central Park than a legitimate diplomatic proposal (“Envoys from Denmark and Greenland met with White House officials about Trump's call for a 'takeover'” January 8). Simply put, it is theft wrapped in the language of power.
What makes this even more worrying is that Trump has expressed his support for posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms, one of which clearly prohibits stealing. For the principle “thou shalt not steal” to have any meaning, it must apply not only to individuals but also to nations, and certainly to those in power.
This appears to be yet another example of Trump holding others to moral and legal standards that he believes do not apply to himself.
David Fractor, Encino
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to the editor: The idea that the United States could purchase Greenland, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously suggested, is not without precedent. Louisiana, Alaska and Gadsden were all financial deals.
Are there not, however, some important questions regarding Greenland? Determining a price will be much easier than determining who actually receives the money. Denmark or the island's actual residents? And speaking of the people who live in Greenland, do they have a say in the sale?
The possibility of selling territory and transferring control of the population to another government without the consent of that population is terrifying. It may sound ironic to suggest that Trump (the real estate guy) would be willing to sell a blue state or two, but wouldn't that be akin to Denmark selling us Greenland?
Larry Harmell, Los Angeles
