Sen. Lindsey Graham's parting shot at Europe
Among U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's famous last words in Kyiv a day before he died on Sat. at age 71 were, "I'm pleased to announce, as of about 30 minutes ago, we've reached agreement with the White House on a version of the Russian sanctions bill that they will support. It means it's going to become law." These words should send shivers down the spine of anyone in Europe who knows anything about that bill. In its original form, it would have imposed 500% tariffs on any country purchasing Russian oil, natural gas, petroleum products or (like the CR) uranium. There was the possibility of a waiver, but only for 180 days. The updated version released yesterday narrows the scope and lowers the duty to 100%. It compels Pres. Donald Trump to impose tariffs on top purchasers, but exemptions might save Hungary, Slovakia and other EU countries. The stated goal is to punish Russia and its enablers. An unstated one is to make sure Europe doesn't get second thoughts about cutting itself off from Russian energy.
Glossary of difficult words
parting shot - a final remark, typically a cutting one, made by someone at the moment of departure;
to send shivers down the spine - to cause a sudden feeling of fear, excitement or awe;
waiver - an act or instance of refraining from demanding compliance with (a rule or fee);
duty - a payment levied on the import, export, manufacture or sale of goods;
enabler - a person or thing that makes something possible;
second thoughts - the process of rethinking a previous decision, opinion or plan, often resulting in doubts or a change of mind.