So Glad to Be an American and Living in the USA.... Sharia Law Comes to Brunei.

Photo taken September 13, 2001, Norfolk, Virginia.

Do I have complaints about my country? Of course. I think most of us do.

One of my biggest is our political system. It needs a complete overhaul. The way it is now you can't get elected unless you have money-a lot of money. And, how do our politicians pay back the people who are forking over the money to get  them elected?

We need a political system that doesn't have fundraising, period!

And, wise guy, how would that work? Well, I have a few ideas, but that's not the purpose of these few words.

Do I get up in the morning and pray to a god that I'm grateful for living in the US? Nope, actually I don't pray, period. And, while it may not sound like much to many of us, that's a pretty big deal when you look around the world and see what other people have to put up with. Yes, being killed because they believe in the wrong god.

When I read the article on CNN about Brunei going to sharia law, did I know where Brunei is? No, I do now. Yes, it's on the island of Borneo.

What follows is from the CNN article:

Brunei has become the first East Asian country to adopt sharia law, despite widespread condemnation from international human rights groups.

The Islamic criminal law is set to include punishments such as flogging, dismemberment and death by stoning for crimes such as rape, adultery and sodomy. The religious laws will operate alongside the existing civil penal code.

The country already follows a more conservative Islamic rule than neighboring Muslim-dominated countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, and has implemented strict religiously-motivated laws, such as the banning of the sale of alcohol.
Consensual sex between homosexuals will also be criminalized, with death by stoning the prescribed punishment.

A number of UN studies have revealed that women are more likely to be sentenced to death by stoning, due to deeply entrenched discrimination and stereotyping against them.

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September 13, 2001, Norfolk, Virginia. Flags half-mast.

So, anyway folks, I'm glad I live in a country where if I wanted, I can shout out, "Fuck all gods." And, our government can't haul me away, chop off my arms, behead me, or stone me. Yes, I'm sure there are a few of my religious brothers and sisters who might smack me around or shoot me, but at least my government will leave me alone. Would I actually want to say that? Of course not. I don't believe in gods, so it'd be kind of silly to say something like that. And, folks, when you look at many parts of our world, that's a pretty big deal.Yes, to say what we want when we want.

Every once in a while we should all think about all the the rights and privileges we have. And, truly appreciate them. And, heck, if you are so inclined, you can pray to any god you want and give him or her credit for it all. We live in America folks and that's allowed.

If you haven't met Pat Condell, now might be a good time. He has lots to say about lots of things, and yes, he covers sharia law.