"This is a value judgement which the American people are entitled to make"

The US Government has the power and responsibility to make these kind of decisons about a far away territory purchased through a dubious financial deal between a bunch of politicians in the USA and Russia back in the 19th century.

That implies a duty to care for that territory. A duty to care for a place or a person is not the same as a right to exploit. What is proposed is in essence dishonourable, and a breach of stewardship. I believe it will be recognised as such in the future, which is why I used the word "despise" in that context.