The Table: Adultery Stoning, Caffeinated Water, Olympic Philly Gold

Fighting Irish 1977International

I don’t know if stone throwing is a sport in the Olympics, but it is definitely taken serious in the West African nation of Mali. The Islamists stoned two people to death accused of committing adultery, the acceptable punishment under Sharia law. This country has been in a state of chaos and could be a hot bed for Taliban and Al Qaida incubation as the factions struggle for local control. With all the good will of the Olympics, many nations continue to struggle with extreme, anti social regimes. The United States has been supporting rebels in Syria as the war rages for control of the middle east nation against their dictator. Extreme actions that limit personal freedoms imposed by the state should never be condoned by the United Nations or the United States.

Will Mali be the next Afghanistan for the United States?

National

In a year with a national Presidential election, the political adage “as California goes, so does the nation” is often heard. We might have to change that to “as California goes bankrupt, so does the nation.” The third city, San Bernardino, in California has declared bankruptcy. These might not be the last to do it as the fall out of the housing crisis continues to demolish municipal budgets. They could use a little caffeine to get the economic engines started and it seems caffeine is  found in high levels in the fresh water supplies in the West. Researchers are baffled by this development as caffeine can develop genetic changes in wild life. Starbucks must be going nuts if the people find out that their morning jolt can come for free.

Do you use caffeine to get you through the day?      

Local

Damn those Ex-Flyers Bringing Stanley Cup to area! The Stanley Cup was sighted down the Jersey shore as Justin William, John Stevens and Todd Fedoruk are incensing the Flyers base with their arrogance. This is only more painful as the Flyers commit to the youth movement and the NHL lockout looms on the horizon. Well at least a local Philadelphia area rower has won gold in the London Olympics. Congratulations to Susan Francia, Penn and Abington native rower, who has made the Schuylkill River and Kelly Drive proud. The Stanley Cup might be nice but it is not gold.

 What athlete or team have you been most impressed with in the London Olympics?

Comments

[Patrick Edmonds]

1. It would be terrible to see, but it's entirely possible. I've read reports that U.S. has done a good job at disrupting Al Qaeda's funds, but I'm not sure how true this is. If they are able to set up shop in Africa, then America will eventually have to go there, hopefully with more assistance from other countries.
2. Thankfully no. I never became dependent on it. However, the more interesting story here, which isn't getting enough attention, is the idea of towns going bankrupt. How is this happening? I'm not endorsing any candidate, but our leaders have a lot of serious questions to answer, especially Obama and Romney.
3. The two US female beach volleyball players are still undefeated. That's impressive. Phelps still manages to be an intriguing figure, even if he isn't dominating like he has in the past. What is it now, 19 or 20 medals? That's crazy! I'm looking forward to the Track and Field though and Usain Bolt.

[James Dugan]

I think the US has to make a serious push for development in Africa. I am not saying colonialization, but without significant development in education, health, and resources, we will again fight the same tyrants in taking these countries and holding people hostage. We get a democracy started and then the military coup happens and then we are back chasing them out. Islam is a holy religion, like Christianity, but there are phanatics that use God to justify heinous greed, genocide and violence. Mali is a massive nation that the military can not change, no matter the good of the mission. It must take a concerted effort and a strong United Nations to improve the world. Again and again I go back to it and we have on this site, the UN must be more than a voice but a whole world working together to eliminate violence, poverty, and greed.
2) Caffeine in water is crazy. I didn't even know it was produced naturally. But I do feel better when I drink it.
3) I have been impressed with the US swimming. The women and men are just at the top of their forms. It is an unbelievable how athletic they are.