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Brennan Bobbie

Why Putin’s Supporters Prefer to Turn a Blind Eye to the War in Ukraine

by Brennan Bobbie

As Russia’s acts of violence and aggression against Ukraine intensify, people in the West are surprised at the refusal of Putin’s supporters to face the truth. How Putin has been recognized and perceived by the Russian public over the years will help shed light on why millions of Russians do not react against the atrocities inflicted on the people of Ukraine – as they still believe their fate rests in the hands of this leader who led the country out of poverty more than two decades ago,

Scholars have found out that economic performance has been the constant driver of support for the Russian president. The public’s approval of Putin’s authoritarian leadership during his more than 20-year rule has been instrumental in bringing the country out of its economic collapse in 1990. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, the ex-KGB spy underpinned his popularity to the narrative that he has been responsible for the economic recovery and stability of the country.

To many of Putin’s supporters, financial wellbeing and staving off inflation rates are the practical factors dominating their perception of Putim. In fact, Putin’s public approval surged massively after the Russian government under Putin’s leadership was able to annex Crimea in 2014. Back then, governments in other countries did not deem it fit to intervene, while the people of Crimea couldn’t hold the resistance on their own.

As much of Putin’s support are founded on economic well being, many believe it will not take long before supporters will turn their backs on the Russian president. The western world has imposed sanctions that have been crippling Russia’s economy, while many of Russia’s talents and intellectuals have been leaving the country. It’s highly likely that the people’s pro war sentiments will erode over time .

Will Putin Face War Crimes?

Charges of war crimes are being prepared against Putin, while many of Russia’s military leaders have died in what was supposed to be a quick military operation. Even the soldiers in the field are not as enthusiastic about prolonging the battle as there are reports of suicide and mutiny taking place due to low morale among the soldiers.

Putin’s armed conflict againt Ukraine has escalated into a simple act of sowing terror by attacking hapless civilians, targetting hospitals, cultural and religious eidifices which many though are protected by the rules of engagement. How Putin plans to end the war he waged againt Ukraine is still not clear. US President Joe Biden though warned that Putin will no longer be allowed to stay in power.

Democrats Pass Resolution to Censure Republican Rep Gosar for Promoting Acts of Violence on AOC

by Brennan Bobbie

The House Democrats initiated a resolution to censure Rep. Paul Gosar after posting an edited anime clip that shows violence against Ocasio-Cortez and Biden. Arizona Republican Rep. Paul Gosar posted the video on his Instagram and Twitter and has received backlash and people have been asking him to be expelled.

House Democrats have mentioned last Wednesday that such messaging can actually instigate violence, referencing the January 6 Capitol incident. They added how it is a global phenomenon that women in politics experience violence which disheartens them to participate in public life and seek jobs of authority. Moreover, those who are strongly affected by this phenomenon are mostly women of color.

According to California Democratic Representative Jackie Speier, what he did crossed the line which is why the resolution was introduced. House Speaker Nancy Pelocy also asked for the House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy to condemn them, and law enforcement and House Ethics Committee to look into Gosar’s actions.

Gosar Defends Anime Video as Symbolic of Fight Against America’s Immigration Policy

Gosar has already removed the video from his Twitter which is an edited clip from the anime “Attack on Titan” wherein the titans were killed by the protagonist. The titans were edited with Biden and Ocasio-Cortez’s face and with Gosar’s face on the protagonist.

In a statement, Gosar mentioned that his intention was not to support any harm or violence to any member of the Congress or to the president. He added that the video is supposed to symbolize their battle against the President’s economic package that includes immigration provisions which they are opposed to.

On the other hand, Gosar’s siblings doesn’t have the most positive judgements of their brother as six of them have advocated his Democratic opponent in a 2018 TV advertisement.

First Phase of Massive Infrastructure Bill Passes Final Senate Voting

by Brennan Bobbie

Last Sunday evening, the Senate voted to discontinue debates that would have been the final step in passing the massive $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Named “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” the final voting to pass the bill took place today (Tuesday); resulting in the approval of Biden’s proposed bill to rebuild the aging and crumbling roads and bridges of the nation.

The approved bill only includes funding for the first phase of Biden’s infrastructure plan. The second phase is yet to pass by way of the reconciliation procedure process. It aims to rebuild and reshape the country’s social programs, which includes Medicare expansion and universal pre-K programs. Since Republicans are strongly opposed to these objectives, Democrats will use the budget reconciliation voting process, as it does not require the filibuster 60-vote rule to merit Senate approval.

While last Sunday’s voting to end the debate won with 18 GOP senators agreeing with all 50 Democrats, the votes to approve the bill this Tuesday tallied at 69 in favor of the bill. Minor Leader, Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell joined his 18 colleagues by voting in  favor of the bill.

After ending the debates last Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, voiced hopes that the Republican Senators will continue to give their cooperation when final voting takes place on Tuesday. Although some of the 18 Republican senators sent mixed signals about their support for the bill’s passing, all’s well and has ended well, after the bill garnered a total 69 bipartisan votes of approval.

Key Features of the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act”

The infrastructure package includes $550 billion that will be part of new annual federal spending budgets for the next five years, and is distributed among different sectors. Majority of the money will be invested in the following specific projects:

  • $110 billion toward bridges, roads, and other major projects;
  • $66 billion on freight and passenger rail;
  • $65 billion each for expanding broadband Internet access and rebuilding the electric grid;
  • $55 billion for water infrastructure, in which $15 billion will be used to replace lead pipes, and
  • $39 billion for expanding and modernizing transit systems.
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