To the Editor:
Re “Miller Says Imperialism Is Justified in Greenland” (news article, Jan. 7):
Stephen Miller’s justification for seizing Greenland, given during a CNN interview with Jake Tapper, was this: “We live in a world, in the real world, Jake, that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power.”
This statement of the amoral basis for the complete reversal of the postwar global order is abominable. It has been the basis for totalitarian regimes justifying any crime or evil the leader perpetrates.
Horrifically, there can be no doubt that it is also the basis for this administration’s domestic policies, flooding Democratic-controlled cities with masked ICE agents and weaponizing the Justice Department for the president’s personal revenge, to name just a couple of examples.
This is not how a democracy acts or moves forward.
Russell Levin Berwyn, Pa.
To the Editor:
Apparently we live in a world where might makes right and the powerful take what they want. Just the idea that we can take any leader or country we like is clearly against international law and morally wrong. It’s a Wild West, Mafia-style mentality fueled by macho fantasies and hubris.
It is also self-serving and incredibly shortsighted. Our country, once the shining light on a hill, is becoming corrupt and unscrupulous. I fear that we have lost any moral high ground we once had, and it will take years if not generations to get it back.
Cathy Putnam Littleton, Mass.
To the Editor:
Re “Denmark Tells Trump to ‘Stop the Threats’ to Acquire Greenland” (news article, Jan. 6):
Without saying it directly, the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has identified the real reason behind President Trump’s insistence on the need for the United States to take over Greenland. She stated that such an action would destroy NATO, which is almost certain since in such an event the other NATO countries would not honor their Article 5 obligations and undertake military operations against the United States.
History has shown that Denmark and Greenland have never been an obstacle to efforts by the United States to utilize Greenland for defense and other purposes. And there is no evidence that they are doing so now. Why then does Mr. Trump insist on the need to seize Greenland?
From the beginning of his first term continuing through his second, Mr. Trump has never been a strong supporter of NATO and has taken almost every opportunity to undermine it, including his comments about potentially not coming to the defense of an attacked NATO country that had not spent on defense what had been agreed to.
Seizing Greenland would tear NATO apart, and Mr. Trump knows this. He also knows that it would be a great gift to Vladimir Putin.
Ira Belsky Franklin Lakes, N.J.
Supporting Subway Operators After Track Deaths
To the Editor:
Re “Struggling to Cope and Get Help After Seeing Deaths on the Tracks” (front page, Dec. 12):
As president of M.T.A. New York City Transit, I want to correct the misimpression that we don’t have effective protocols in place to help operators recover from train strikes — physically, emotionally and psychologically.
I started my career working on live tracks as an assistant signal maintainer for the Long Island Rail Road and know firsthand the pressure and responsibility that comes with keeping people safe in this environment, and how upsetting it is when the worst happens.
After a train strike, a New York City Transit supervisor responds to the scene to support the operator, and in most cases escorts him or her to the hospital for care. A union representative is notified to ensure that the operator is made aware of support services, including the M.T.A.’s Chaplain Office, which responded to 206 train strikes in 2024.
After these incidents, eligible train operators can take up to three days of additional leave. On their next scheduled workday, operators meet with M.T.A. Labor Relations to discuss their ability to return to work. Those who don’t feel ready to come back apply for and receive additional leave at full pay until they’re medically cleared to return. They receive regular check-ins from licensed behavioral health specialists.
This process has helped hundreds of operators recover and return to work safely over the years. For me, there is no greater priority than the well-being and security of our employees and all New Yorkers who use the transit system.
Demetrius Crichlow New York
The post U.S. Threats to Take Over Greenland appeared first on New York Times.
