In a poignant act of protest, Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old US Air Force member, set himself ablaze outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC on February 25. Bushnell’s self-immolation was a statement against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, drawing parallels to the use of white phosphorus munitions by the Israeli military. His actions were met with a mixed response, with some media outlets comparing his act to the self-immolation of Vietnamese monk Thich Quang Duc during the Vietnam War. However, others have attempted to discredit Bushnell posthumously, citing US military regulations and attributing his actions to a mental health crisis rather than a political statement.
In domestic politics, the Biden administration, with Vice President Kamala Harris at the helm, has unveiled plans to incentivize college students to register voters and serve as poll workers using taxpayer funds. This initiative is allegedly part of a broader strategy to increase Democratic voter turnout, with voter registration drives planned on significant dates such as Juneteenth and the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Additionally, voter registration solicitations are being sent to Americans who have obtained health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Federal employees are also being granted time off to vote, including during early voting periods.
On the international front, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to NATO in his state of the nation address. Putin cautioned that the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine could escalate to nuclear war, dismissing allegations of Russia’s intent to attack Europe as unfounded. He underscored Russia’s military advancements in Ukraine and criticized NATO’s expansion, particularly Sweden’s recent decision to join the alliance. Putin also expressed readiness for dialogue with the United States on strategic stability, while criticizing what he perceives as hostile actions towards Russia. He denied plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space and called for a new security framework in Eurasia, urging for peace negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Sources
Russian President Putin Warns NATO of Nuclear War Threat Amid Escalating Tensions
“They must ultimately understand that we also have weapons – and they know about it, just as I now said – we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory,” he warned.
Source | Submitted by aaronmckeon
Election Embezzlement: Harris Announces Government Will Pay College Students to Register Voters
“We have been doing work to promote voter participation for students,” said Harris as she met with activists representing more than 20 voting rights groups. “For example, we have under the Federal Work-Study program now allow students to get paid through Federal Work-Study to register people and to be non-partisan poll workers. As we know, this is important for a number of reasons. One, to engage our young leaders in this process and activate them in terms of their ability to strengthen our communities.”
Source | Submitted by aaronmckeon
US Air Force Member Self-Immolates in Protest Outside Israeli Embassy
Rest in power, Aaron Bushnell.
Source | Submitted by newsbuoy