“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.” ― Thomas Paine
THE WEEKEND AHEAD:
First, a quick update on the situation in Ukraine. Early Saturday morning, the state-controlled Moscow media announced a temporary ceasefire in two Ukrainaian cities. According to the state, citizens are being urged to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha, suggesting an attack is imminent.
American Liberty News will continue reporting on the ceasefire and upcoming attacks as the war unfolds.
In other news, President Biden's approval rating took an unexpected upturn following his State of the Union Address. A new poll suggests Biden's overall approval rating is at 47%, up 8 points since the middle of February.
The rise in approval arrives amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which over half of Americans support Biden's handling of. The president initially assumed a diplomatic position within the war, although, his administration has taken action against Russia on the international level and through economic sanctions. However, he has received backlash for not immediately accepting Ukrainian refugees. Since the war began a week ago, over one million people have been displaced.
Again, despite an increase in support, Biden is continuing to face backlash for certain stances. For instance, he received strong opposition for suggesting the police need more funding during his State of the Union Address. Although, the comments are in line with his previous pro-police stances, even while on the campaign trail.
Meanwhile, President Biden has failed to fulfill campaign promises which fueled his presidential win. For instance, promising to excuse student loan debt, $10,000 per borrower to be exact. According to White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, the loan forgiveness program is being delayed once again,
The president is going to look at what we should do on student debt before the pause expires, or he'll extend the pause.
Other economic concerns are riddling America, including rising inflation, slow production, and 10-year high gas prices. According to CNBC,
The national average for a gallon of regular gas stood at $3.83 on Friday, the highest since Sept. 21, 2012, according to data from AAA. Prices are rising at a fast clip, with Friday's average nearly 11 cents a gallon above Thursday's. Americans are paying about 27 cents more than last week, and 41 cents more than a month ago.
Although the cost of crude oil will be impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war, the prices were already increasing prior to Putin's aggression.
Exacerbating the already stressed car market, Ford has announced a cut in SUV production at two plants. The main supply issue is a lack of semiconductor chips, which began when vehicle assembly plants were shut down at the beginning of the pandemic. This diverted chip supplies to other industries, leaving domestic and international car manufacturers behind.
While Russia's invasion is taking center stage, another potentially brutal foreign affair is manifesting behind the scenes. According to some policy experts and citizens, Putin's actions may be a source of inspiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping to invade Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party is relentless in its threatens and taunts.
After Russia's invasion, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said,
Our military is committed to defending our homeland and continues to improve its ability to do so, and our global partners are contributing to the security of our region, giving us strong confidence in Taiwan's security
More fear arises amid China's increased defense spending. Recent reports suggest this year alone will see a spike of 7%, reflected by 1.45 trillion yuan ($230.16 billion).
Furthermore, the CCP set a new GDP goal of 5.5% for 2022, despite a slowed economy. Total central government spending for the general public budget is expected to increase by 14.3% to 13.40 trillion yuan, China's Ministry of Finance said. This includes the defense spending.
That's it for today. ALN will continue reporting on domestic and foreign developments.
Enjoy your weekend!
Where are you getting the news that Biden’s approval rating has gone up?
That is what President Trump calls “FAKE NEWS”. It may have gone up with the “IN THE BAG MEDIA,” but It sure as hell didn’t go up with the people
who are paying for his idiotic decisions. You don’t have to be a genius to see
that Biden is more concerned with hearing the bells on the Good Humor truck that what the people want.