Some 15 years ago, I wrote my first column for KONK Life. Sharia Law.

Though centuries old, only then had Sharia begun to receive notice in the U.S. Most U.S. citizens were of no concern. It was the religion of the Muslims. Islamic law. Based on precepts of Islam found in the Quran and Hadith. Did not affect us.

I thought differently.

Sharia Law had come up a few times in State cases. In certain instances, the judges applied Sharia Law rather than the law of the U.S. or the State in which the case was being tried.

Sharia Law was tough. Totally inconsistent with our laws. There was another consideration. My belief at the time and even today, if you wanted to live in the U.S., you live by U.S. law. If not, go home from whence you came.

Many at the time thought I was unreasonable. They were blind to the future.

Today, many Muslims reside in the U.S. Most, good citizens. Some still live their lives under Sharia Law. In the dark, a Sharia Law system exists for those who prefer such to U.S. laws.

All this a prelude to what has been happening in Brunei. Brunei is a small Muslim nation in East Asia.

In 2014, the Sharia law was codified and introduced as law at the national level. Many provisions alarming. Scary. Like those who engaged in gay sex and/or adultery were to be stoned to death.

Wow!

They stoned for various reasons back in the days of Christ and before. Recall the story of Jesus who came upon a woman about to be stoned. Christ said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

A protest cry arose immediately in 2014 in Christian countries and the U.N. Total opposition. Not in this day and age was the cry.

Pressure has been building for 5 years. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah recently announced that the law would not be enforced.

Better than nothing. Still leaves me uncomfortable. Throw it off the books so discretion cannot be claimed as a reason to use it some time in the future.

That is where the stoning punishment remains at the moment. In abeyance, in Purgatory. Not Hell.

To fully appreciate the harshness of Sharia Law, consider what happens to a thief. First offense, his right hand is amputated. Second offense, his left foot.

Brunei’s law applies to children and foreigners. Even if not Muslims.

My admonition: Don’t engage in illicit sex if visiting Brunei. The possible penalty for a few minutes pleasure not worth it.

Two other situations involving those of the Muslim faith in the news.

Today is the beginning of Ramadan. A holy Muslim time. One month long. All Muslims must abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. The purpose to bring worshipers closer to God.

There is another area of denial. Sex. No sex at all for one month.

Now to China.

Only 2 years ago was it discovered that China has internment camps for Muslims. Can be described as concentration camps.

It is estimated 1-2 million Muslims are so confined and subject to all kinds of abuses.

The world little complains. The media relatively silent. Sounds like what was happening in Germany in the late 1930’s and to the mid 1940’s.

The 3 Muslim stories provided for informational purposes. The world should know. More should be aware.

Yesterday began with Hot Dog Church around 5. Not many were in attendance. About 8 ladies. Included were Donna and Terri. Laurie bartending. Enjoyed a couple of drinks and then went to dinner with my lesbian wives at La Trattoria.

Tiffany bartending. Dink stopped by to say hello. A very nice guy!

Michael showed up. I have not seen him in years. He was already a Key West native when I started coming 30 years ago. I knew him from Atlantic Shores. Now gone. Today a part of the Southernmost Complex.

Atlantic Shores was a motel and beach bar. The deck holding the beach bar easily held 100 people. Most bare assed. Totally nude.

I am a voyeur by nature. Visited almost daily. However, kept my bathing suit or shorts on. A coward!

Michael was there daily in his sunday suit. Always a deep brown tan. Hair always long. An athlete’s body.

Donna knew him at Atlantic Shores back then. Though I did not know Donna at the time. She cavorted with nothing on.

When they speak of old Key West, Atlantic Shores was a part of the flavor.

While dinning at the bar, I saw what might be my future. The bar was full. An elderly couple came in around 7:30. Asked Tiffany how long for seats. She said at least an hour. There were already others waiting.

The man told Tiffany they couldn’t wait. They would take a table. “We have to be back to the nursing home by 9:30.”

Whether you like Karl Marx, agree or disagree with his political views, it cannot be denied he has been an influential figure in world history.

Marx was born May 5, 1818. He wrote the Communist Manifesto, the basis of Marxism. He was the first true Communist.

The last 2 sentences of the Communist Manifesto drove Communism for close to 2 centuries: “Workers of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains.”

Great Britain rejoices this morning! Most of the world also! Meghan Markle, an American married to Prince Harry, gave birth to a baby boy. He will be seventh in line to the throne.

Meghan delivered at home. By prearrangement. Her desire.

Tonight will find me at Dueling Bartenders. One of Key West’s best events.

Enjoy your day!