Many of us get worked up over the foolishnesses of the Co$. But there are other "spiritual" movements whose practises make scientologists look truly enlightened.

We have an opportunity to at least say something about an impending outrage in the northern state of Katsina, Nigeria. The majority population in this region is Muslim; the state government has the right, under the Nigerian Constitution, to enforce the Islamic Sharia ("moral law" ) even when it contravenes Federal law, as it does in this case. This is another example of what can happen in a theocracy, and why giving guns and badges to religionists of any persuasion is such a bad idea.

Read about Amina Lawal's "crime" and the punishment the Nigerian mullahs (PBUT) intend to impose upon her here: Amnesty International Petition.

While there, take a moment to sign the e-petition to the President of Nigeria. Your privacy is guaranteed by Amnesty International UK (no record or database of signatories will be compiled or kept) and, well, it's the very least we can do. It's precious little, but it's SOMETHING.

Interesting article, Merlin, thanks. Chilling. Especially the part asserting that only a believer in Islam can change or criticize Islam. Makes it deadly insular cozy. Peace. JB

Yes, thanks, I-Loki.

It's hard to believe sometimes the barbaric things that still happen in parts of the world.

I also get tired of the fact that the USA often supports some of the worst regimes. Or, I should say, the politicians who direct foreign policy
dictate the support.

raised 11th