Don’t forget the stuff we Purchased
I was merely referring to the blood debt incurred for freeing a people from an oppressive government which we gave to the French TWICE against the Germans.
I discount the Louisiana Purchase because ALL the European powers of the day were losing their ability to retain their holdings in the New World. France would lose that territory one way or another. In a way, we paid them to just walk away.
The bitter pill was how we provided them a safe way out of Vietnam while we literally jumped into the line of fire. Now, I am completely unconcerned about saving their necks on the international stage.
The Taiwanese, on the other hand, have my respect and admiration.