Should We Pick Putin's Pocket?

My name is Cody, I am a Democrat and a friend of Will's who loves to have debates with him. I am Communications Director of the New York High School Democrats (Want to start a chapter at your school? Hit Me Up!)

Anywho...

I was just reading an editorial (cited below) about this whole crisis in Ukraine. We all know how unhappy Russia's invasion has been making America, Europe and most people west of the Iron Curtain. The question is "How Do We React To That?" I believe the best way is to hurt their wallets. Economic sanctions can go so far. Russia currently asks for $117/barrel for Russian-produced oil. Oil plays a sizable role in Russia's economy and I think if we were to boycott Russian oil completely, the drawback to their economy will hit them where it hurts. Likewise, boycotting other Russian goods would be a wise move for us to take.

This is a graph of where America gets its oil.


Russia is part of that miniscule 3.1% of oil providers that aren't domestic or from The Americas, Africa or the Persian Gulf. It wouldn't hurt our oil supply very much and I wouldn't expect gas prices to rise much, if at all because of this move.

What do you think? Should we try to "Pick Putin's Pocket?" Should we take any actions against Russia at all? Comment Away!

Cody out.