The left and its comrades in the MSM are exhibiting faux outrage that President Donald Trump wants to strong-arm Denmark into giving Greenland to the U.S. But they never mention that the U.S. took the Virgin Islands from Denmark the same way.

The U.S. purchased the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million. The U.S. pressured Denmark with threats of military occupation, fearful the Germans would take control of the islands during World War I. The islands held strategic value for protecting Caribbean approaches, shipping lanes and accessing the newly opened Panama Canal.

Similarly, Greenland's location at the intersection of North America, Europe and the Arctic makes it pivotal for U.S. security interests. It is a key naval chokepoint for monitoring and restricting Russian submarine and surface movements from the Arctic into the Atlantic. It would also diminish Chinese investments and influence, such as attempting airports, mining stakes and naval activity.

Pituffik Space Base in Greenland hosts critical U.S. ballistic missile early-warning radars, space surveillance and supports missile defense. Full U.S. ownership would ease further bases, troop increases and infrastructure without allied negotiations.

Denmark lacks the capacity to defend Greenland adequately. U.S. ownership would secure the region, prevent adversary footholds and extend a Monroe Doctrine-like dominance in the "near-abroad" Arctic.

Critics contend that the U.S. just wants to acquire the country for selfish reasons, such as its rich natural resources. But they omit the........

© Townhall