This is a good example of the type of debate that well-meaning, thoughtful people decide just steer clear of due to the (lack of) perspectives of the majority of those currently taking part in the conversation.

The United States spends the better part of a trillion dollars per year on its military. A relatively small fraction of that would solve any issues their social welfare programs currently have.

It's a matter of prioritization and the perspective of those leading the discussion. Instead of turning focus towards changing priorities (the priorities are already seemingly in their favor), they turn to how expensive and unmaintainable the programs are that they wish to further de-prioritize. In the process, they draw attention away from the stark contrast of funding between various government programs. Namely social welfare vs military, or improving their society vs destroying others.