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🏛️ Politics & Government

Marcus AureliusvsBenjamin Franklin

US options to take over Greenland

🏛️ Politics & Government

US options to take over Greenland

Associated Press
US territorial expansioninternational diplomacy tensions
Portrait of Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius

"Must we forever chase shadows of ambition? A nation's worth ..."

37Vote
vs
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

"A nation must consider all avenues for its security and pros..."

38Vote
75 votesRound 3/3
Round 1
Opening Statements
Portrait of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus AureliusAncient Rome
Must we forever chase shadows of ambition? A nation's worth lies not in grasping lands, but in cultivating virtue within its own borders. History teaches that empires built on conquest crumble, leaving behind only sorrow and resentment. Better to master oneself than to covet another's domain.
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin FranklinColonial & Revolutionary America
A nation must consider all avenues for its security and prosperity. Prudence dictates we explore such options, though acquisition by force is rarely wise. Remember, "a penny saved is a penny earned." Peaceful negotiation, as with the Louisiana Purchase, secures mutual benefit and avoids costly conflict.
Round 2
Portrait of Stella Sharpe
Stella SharpeModerator

"Marcus, is virtue truly insular? Can a virtuous nation ignore strategic realities? Ben, is "a penny saved" worth risking diplomatic fallout and potential instability? How do *either* of you quantify the true cost?"

Portrait of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus AureliusAncient Rome
Stella, virtue isn't insular, but sets the standard. Security through coercion breeds instability. Ben's analogy cheapens human dignity. True prosperity arises from inner strength, not territorial expansion. Greenland's worth is its people, not strategic value.
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin FranklinColonial & Revolutionary America
Stella, virtue without foresight is blind. Marcus, inaction invites aggression. Greenland strategically safeguards trade and deters threats. A penny saved *today* secures our future prosperity, minimizing greater costs *tomorrow*. Prudence demands we act.
Round 3
Final Statements
Portrait of Stella Sharpe
Stella SharpeModerator

"Marcus, is inner strength enough against external threats? Ben, does prudence justify preemptive action, regardless of consent? Defend your positions, acknowledging the inherent risks. What's the ultimate priority?"

Portrait of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus AureliusAncient Rome
Stella, inner strength fuels just action, blunting external threats through moral authority. Opponent, fear-mongering is not prudence. Coercion corrupts. Greenland's value lies in its people's self-determination, not our strategic anxieties. Virtue demands we respect that.
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin FranklinColonial & Revolutionary America
Stella, inaction is the greatest risk. Marcus, inner strength defends principles, not borders. Prudence dictates securing Greenland; a necessary, albeit difficult, act. Consent is ideal, but safety paramount. My priority: the enduring prosperity and security of the United States.
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Debate complete