Dear editor:

I received a response from Sen. Lummis’ office about America’s unjustified claims to take Greenland and its rare earth minerals. Basically, she agrees with Trump. I assume she still agrees with him while he changes his mind from week to week.

Lummis acknowledged two treaties to defend Greenland, but claimed our bases — there by treaty permission — are “critical to our early defense systems.” Owning Greenland is not critical to our defense.

Worse, she labeled America’s threats as Trump’s “expressed interest in welcoming Greenland as part of the United States” and “worthy of discussion and consideration.” This reeks of imperialism and Putin-like aggression to claim ownership of parts of another country. But Lummis extends her own welcome as she “… firmly believe[s] Greenlanders and Denmark should have an integral part in these discussions.” How quaint.

Lummis justifies this 2026 threat on a sovereign NATO nation by noting the U.S. tried several times to buy it, but the people kept saying no. I guess that means we can take it now, or force a sale through extortion, intimidation and bribery.

Trump sycophants harken back to the 1823 Monroe Doctrine claiming a right to protect our sphere of influence, necessary for American security. But that doctrine specifies the U.S. would not interfere in existing European colonies or internal European affairs. In this 21st century where we actually live, global policies favor an international recognition of established borders.

The damage has already been done, with the world well aware that America cannot be trusted with treaties, or standing for the rule of law, or denouncing dictatorship. Just the opposite — in January in Davos Trump said “… sometimes you need a dictator,” referring to his actions.

This un-American, anti-American philosophy seems to be shared by MAGA folks and Republicans with almost no exception. What happened to their oath to defend the U.S. Constitution? Why have Republicans become so autocratic and dogmatic? Republicans seem to send a common message: What we order is the law; do as we say and there will be peace.

Dennis Reuter

Powell