I keep asking the same question whenever this topic comes up with folks I know: "So...what exactly is the US interest in getting involved in the Russia-Ukraine dust-up?" I get the usual platitudes... "Saving Ukraine from an aggressive monster like Russia".... "Putin has plans to dominate Europe and we must stop him there"... yada yada yada, all the talking points of pinheads on TV and in the White House.

But I persist... "What actual, real interest do we have there?" And that's where the conversation hits a dead end. Not one person has been able to tell me the precise "WHY" we are there.

And that's the point I always like to introduce the concept of money laundering in a corrupt country that enriches politicians and arms corporations here at home. I get funny looks sometimes, but at least I've planted a seed of doubt.