Top 10 reasons Sen. Dan Coats is sad about being sanctioned by Russia
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), left, Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) and Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) talk with reporters Jan. 13, 2014 in Washington, DC.
The back-and-forth sanctions between the United States and Russia this week over the crisis in Crimea and Ukraine produced some interesting results.
A top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin laughed off American sanctions as a mere “bore,” while Dan Coats, a Republican senator from Indiana, suggested his love of Russian finery is now in jeopardy.
More from GlobalPost: Economic cold war ensues as Europe hits back at Russia
Vladislav Surkov is apparently a gangsta-rap aficionado, and wasn’t threatened by US sanctions because all the best of American culture is available online.
That would be Tupac Shakur, obviously. Oh, and poet Allen Ginsberg and artist Jackson Pollock.
“I don't need a visa to access their work. So I lose nothing,” Surkov said.
Not to be outdone, Coats said he’s actually quite worried about Russia limiting access to nine high-ranking Americans. Where else is he going to find a mink coat?
To bring the whole situation into perspective, Coats released a top-10 list inspired by Indiana native David Letterman.
More from GlobalPost: These photos explain why Russia is crazy for Crimea
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever! Every gift will be matched 2:1, so your impact will go even further.