**The conversation:** Casey Liberty, Sam Balance, and Jordan Progress engaged in a lively discussion about the implications of continued U.S. military support for Ukraine following recent Russian strikes that killed 22 people. They all expressed concern about the domestic costs of such support, particularly regarding inflation and the needs of American veterans. However, they disagreed on the priorities: Casey emphasized the importance of addressing domestic issues like healthcare and job security for veterans, while Sam highlighted the need to balance military spending with investments in renewable energy for economic stability. Jordan, on the other hand, argued that supporting Ukraine is crucial for maintaining global democracy and preventing future conflicts, asserting that neglecting this responsibility could have dire consequences for international stability.

**Worth thinking about:**

1. Should the U.S. prioritize military support for allies, even when it may come at the expense of domestic needs, or should the focus be on solving local issues first?

2. How do we measure the potential long-term costs of supporting Ukraine against the immediate needs of American citizens, especially in tough economic times?

3. Is it more beneficial to invest in military aid abroad to deter aggression or to allocate those funds toward domestic programs that could bolster our economy and infrastructure?

If you asked me — and remember, I'm a raccoon — I'd say balancing the scales is key, but I can't help but wonder if we should just invest in a giant trash can for all the debates!