GOP lawmakers defend Monroe Doctrine against liberal criticism
Representatives in Congress Defend the Monroe Doctrine
Representatives in Congress with Cuban-American heritage are passionately defending the Monroe Doctrine, a 200-year-old policy that views any foreign intervention in the Western Hemisphere as a hostile act.
This week, Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a resolution urging the State Department to terminate the policy established by James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, back in 1823.
Opposing Views on the Monroe Doctrine
However, Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) have voiced their opposition to the Democrat’s efforts, arguing that the policy is crucial for maintaining stability in the hemisphere.
Salazar, a strong advocate for the Monroe Doctrine, emphasized its significance in the face of growing influences from China, Russia, and Iran. She even introduced a bill last month to strengthen the doctrine, as the post-Cold War foreign policy has shifted focus to the Eastern Hemisphere.
Gimenez, who personally experienced the loss of his native Cuba to a communist dictatorship, also supports the policy. He believes that the doctrine is necessary to combat the oppressive regime in Cuba and prevent the spread of socialist terrorism in the region.
A Call for Change
On the other side, Reps. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Greg Casar (D-TX), Jesus Garcia (D-IL), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have cosponsored the resolution, calling for an end to the Monroe Doctrine. They argue that U.S. foreign policy has often contributed to instability in Latin America and suggest focusing on supporting democracy, economic growth, and climate crisis solutions instead.
The progressive resolution proposes the development of a “New Good Neighbor” policy by the State Department, which prioritizes collaboration and supports democratic reforms in international financial institutions. Additionally, it demands the declassification of all U.S. archives documenting American involvement in past coups, dictatorships, and human rights abuses in Latin American and Caribbean countries.
For more information, click here to read the full article from The Washington Examiner.
How has the interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine evolved over the years, and what are the arguments made by its supporters and critics?
Olution in the House of Representatives reaffirming support for the Monroe Doctrine. Velázquez, who has Cuban heritage, argued that the policy is crucial for protecting the interests of the United States and its neighboring countries in the Western Hemisphere.
The Monroe Doctrine was established by President James Monroe in 1823, during a time when many Latin American countries were gaining their independence from European colonial powers. The doctrine stated that any attempt by European nations to colonize or interfere in the affairs of the newly independent countries would be seen as a threat to the United States.
Over the years, the Monroe Doctrine has evolved and its interpretation has changed, but the core principle of non-intervention has remained consistent. It has been invoked on numerous occasions to justify U.S. actions in the region, including military interventions and economic sanctions.
Supporters of the Monroe Doctrine argue that it is a necessary policy to safeguard the sovereignty and independence of the Western Hemisphere countries. They contend that any foreign intervention, whether by European powers or other global actors, poses a threat to regional stability and undermines the principle of self-determination.
In recent years, there has been growing concern among representatives with Cuban-American heritage about the increasing influence of foreign powers in the region. China, in particular, has been making significant investments in Latin America, leading some to worry about the potential for economic and political dependency.
Critics of the Monroe Doctrine, on the other hand, argue that it is an outdated and imperialistic policy. They contend that it infringes on the principles of international law and interferes with the sovereignty of other nations. They also argue that the doctrine has been selectively applied by the United States, allowing for its own interventions while denouncing similar actions by other countries.
Despite the criticism, representatives with Cuban-American heritage strongly believe that the Monroe Doctrine is a vital tool for protecting U.S. interests in the region. They argue that the United States has a historical responsibility to play a role in ensuring the stability and prosperity of its neighboring countries.
Moreover, they emphasize the need to counter foreign powers, such as China and Russia, who they believe are seeking to expand their influence in the Western Hemisphere. These representatives view the Monroe Doctrine as a necessary deterrent against any attempts to undermine the United States’ leadership and regional dominance.
As the debate continues, representatives in Congress with Cuban-American heritage are committed to defending the Monroe Doctrine and ensuring that the United States remains actively engaged in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. They argue that the policy is not only in the best interest of the United States but also aligns with the principles of democracy, human rights, and self-determination that the country holds dear.
In a time of growing geopolitical competition, representatives with Cuban-American heritage believe that the United States cannot afford to be complacent. They stress the importance of maintaining a strong and assertive stance in order to protect American influence and defend the sovereignty of the Western Hemisphere countries.
Whether the Monroe Doctrine will continue to be a guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy in the coming years remains uncertain. However, representatives in Congress with Cuban-American heritage are determined to ensure that the policy remains relevant and effective in an ever-changing global landscape. They will continue to advocate for its importance and defend its principles, convinced that it is the best course of action for the United States and its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere.
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