1) Same arguent at differen point on the scale. Perhaps a bit intellectually dis

1) Same arguent at differen point on the scale. Perhaps a bit intellectually dishonest to attribute externalities to a known and express cause, as if people were not rationally aware of their ambitions. For most of american history the europeans of the day were considered our equivalent of the russians of today, and control of the continent was not only a wealth race, but one to keep the other powers out of bringing their ongoing conflicts hwere.

2) Presumes an alternative was possible- or knowable.

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