Upholding the traditions of Islam: Caning for drinking beer

Headline: Beer-Drinking Muslim Woman's Caning to Go Ahead.  The young lady drank beer and will be punished by caning. Her parents are law and order advocates:

 

Kartika's father, Shukarno Abdul Muttlib, 60, told The Associated Press that while the family had yet to be informed of the judge's latest decision, his daughter "accepts the punishment" and would like it to be carried out sooner rather than later.

 

"We obey the law," he said, adding that "it's a challenge ... (but) it's the way of my life."

Nothing like law abiding citizens and respect for tradition, is there? That's what keeps society together, as Shirley Jackson portrayed in the short story, The Lottery:

 

"They do say," Mr. Adams said to Old Man Warner, who stood next to him, "that over in the north village they're talking of giving up the lottery."

Old Man Warner snorted. "Pack of crazy fools," he said. "Listening to the young folks, nothing's good enough for them. Next thing you know, they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves, nobody work any more, live hat way for a while. Used to be a saying about 'Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.' First thing you know, we'd all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns. There's always been a lottery," he added petulantly. "Bad enough to see young Joe Summers up there joking with everybody."

"Some places have already quit lotteries." Mrs. Adams said.

"Nothing but trouble in that," Old Man Warner said stoutly. "Pack of young fools."

Where would we be without tradition?

Ami Isseroff