Trump Changing Global Politics

 If you wish to be removed, please [click here]( to unsubscribe. [The DAily GRIND News]( Grind for March 19th, 2018 # First sip "It is as necessary for man to live in beauty rather than ugliness as it is necessary for him to have food for an aching belly or rest for a weary body." - Abraham Maslow   [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( A Punishment To Fit The Crime The Headline Trump Administration issues sanctions on Russia for election meddling The Grind The Treasury Department on Thursday issued sanctions against 5 Russian entities and 19 individuals for interfering in the 2016 presidential election. Sanctions will affect those indicted last month by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, including the Internet Research Agency or "troll farm" which led an operation to "sow discord in the US political system." The sanctions are part of a "broader effort to address the ongoing nefarious attacks emanating from Russia," said Treasury Sec. Steven Mnuchin. In addition to election meddling, the sanctions cite last year's "NotPetya" cyberattack and previously unannounced attacks on US infrastructure. The Implication The sanctions follow Russia's use of a nerve agent to poison former Soviet spy (and double agent) Sergei Skripal. Trump joined French President Emmanual Macron, British Prime Minister Theresa May, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in saying they "abhor" the attack. The new sanctions also represent the first use of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, a bill Congress forced Trump to sign last August. Trump signed reluctantly, arguing the law could endanger future attempts to improve relations with Russia. [share]( [tweet]( You Might Like        [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( More Of The Same The Headline Angela Merkel begins fourth term as German Chancellor The Grind Angela Merkel was sworn in Wednesday morning after lawmakers voted in a secret ballot to re-elect her for a fourth term. The ceremony marked the end of an extended period of uncertainty following an election in which the Christian Democrats (CDU) and Social Democrats (SPD) performed poorly. The CDU and SPD are now ruling together as part of a grand coalition or "GroKo." Priorities for the new government include EU reforms and new refugee policies. The GroKo also wants to strengthen ties with the US, has agreed to stop selling weapons to any country involved in the war in Yemen, and has promised not to raise taxes. The Details SPD leader Martin Schulz had ruled out the idea of another GroKo with the CDU, but changed his mind after Merkel failed to form an alliance with the Greens and the Free Democrats in November. Despite voting overwhelmingly in favor of a treaty with the CDU, many SPD members are unhappy with the alliance. During his endorsement speech on Wednesday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed the importance of winning back voters' trust and protecting the nation's liberal democracy. "The liberal democracies of the West are beset with challenges - from without as well as from within," said Steinmeier. "Even in parts of Europe elections are being won with isolationism, nationalism, and an unwillingness to compromise." The renewal of the CDU/SPD coalition means the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is now the lead opposition party in parliament. The nationalist and anti-immigration AfD won an unprecedented 12.6% of the vote in September, and its leaders have promised to fight Merkel every step of the way. "We will hunt Mrs. Merkel...and we will take back our country and our people," said AfD co-leader Alexander Gauland. [share]( [tweet]( Good to the last drop Did you know... In 1955, the citizens of São Paulo were so upset with their government that they elected a rhinoceros named Cacareco (meaning rubbish) to the city council in protest, with over 100,000 votes. [share](#) [tweet](#) Help The Daily Grind support our Friends at Lady Freethinker You Might Like    [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( This email was sent to {EMAIL}" You can [OPT OUT]( your email address from our list. We respect your right to privacy. [View our policy.]( This email was sent by: The Daily Grind News 6890 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 120-137 Tucson, AZ. 85750 Don't forget, your friend wants to be interesting too. So [Forward this Email to a Friend](