[marktwain]

we NEVER annexed a territory as a result of a referendum taken while our troops were present on that territory’s soil.

I do not know that is correct.

We took a lot of territory. Most of it was without votes, but by purchase or conquest.

We took and held the Northeast territories by force.

We purchased the Louisiana purchase, from France.

Texas legally broke away from Mexico by force, then petitioned to join the USA.

We defeated Mexico in war, and paid for the mostly unpopulated territories from California to Oklahoma.

We purchased Alaska from Russia.

Hawaii created their own government, and petitioned to join the United States. The Congress refused; then McKinley, on his own, agreed.

There are others, Florida, the Northwest territories, American Samoa, etc.

[beancounter13]

Taking something by purchase is WAY different that taking something by force.

Don’t believe me?

What is the difference between commerce and theft?

[Captain Walker]

Hawaii created their own government, and petitioned to join the United States.

Ahem.

We overthrew the existing government of Hawaii.

(They didn't create their own government; we created it for them.)

[AndyJackson]

But that is our manifest destiny - the white man’s burden. That is no justification for Putin.