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Helping the Ukraine
But we also need to help our own troops
According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), since the Russians invaded the Ukraine last February, the United States has sent more than $16.2 billion in military aid.
Meanwhile, inflation is taking a toll on many Americans. As of August, 60% of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck. That’s about 10% higher than it was a year ago.
Among those feeling the pinch — members of the armed forces.
Recently, the United States Army advised soldiers to apply for food stamps to feed their families.
Additionally, veterans are twice as likely as other adults to be homeless.
For those concerned with equity — 56% of all homeless veterans are African Americans or Hispanic. 53% of them have disabilities and half suffer from mental illness. Given how much Americans are hurting, including our own military — should we be sending billions to the Ukraine?
I found an interview with NPR’s Jackie Northam that gave some insight. She was talking to Dina Smeltz, a senior fellow at the Chicago Council. According to Ms. Smeltz, 70% of Americans as of last spring supported providing both economic and military assistance to the Ukraine. However, they did not support sending troops.
