This week, we revisit the idea of American expansion, a theme revived by Donald Trump in his second inaugural speech. While the idea of taking more territory by force is not palatable, absorbing other countries or territories at their invitation could be beneficial. Cuba, a centrally planned economy that has malfunctioned, is a prime example.
Our Mexico City bureau chief, Sarah Burke, and two Cubans shared their experiences with the Checks and Balance podcast, highlighting the abject misery of life on the island. The socialist paradise has formal racial segregation, a lack of basic necessities, and a government that controls information.
A modest proposal is to provide free internet access to all Cubans and make them an offer: come and join the US as a state. This would be a powerful gesture, helping 10m people avoid hunger and preventable disease, and showcasing the American system's ability to turn a poor island into a prosperous state.
