U.S. should take a stand

How do you want to die?\nIf the sharia rulers of the Katsina state of Nigeria have their way, Amina Lawal's last vision will be of stones being hurled toward her head.\nLawal was sentenced to death by stoning last March when she allegedly confessed to becoming pregnant outside of marriage. Her now young daughter is considered the evidence for her crime. Her lover has been released from jail for lack of evidence. \nSome states in Nigeria are ruled under an intense interpretation of Islamic law called sharia. The law was adopted in 1999, and has been the subject of debate throughout the country. But the law is not the enemy -- the concern with Lawal's case is how it is applied.\nThis case of extreme legal application is not representative of the entire country. Nigerian president Olusegun Obasango has condemned the punishment and called it unconstitutional but has not stopped it. The Katsina government said in August that it will not stop the execution from happening. Lawal is currently in the appeal process. \nThere has been international outcry since Lawal's story was released. Stoning is an inhumane and disgusting way to die, especially at the hands of a legal system. Concerned parties from across the world are speaking up, and Lawal's story was featured on Oprah. Amnesty International has started a letter drive for her protection. Now it is time for the U.S. government to take action. \nLawal is not the only victim of such drastic legal interpretation. This disgusting and inhumane application of the sharia law must be stopped. The United States is in a position to help. \nThe United States seemed to become very concerned with the plight of women in Afghanistan after Sept. 11, and it was seen as another reason to invade the country. Here is a chance for the government to take a pro-active approach instead of letting the problem go on for years and then taking action. Much of the pride of the people of the United States hinges on our role defending democracy and freedom. Here is a chance to do just that. \nIn March, Representative Betty McCollum introduced H. Con. Res. 351 to the floor, calling for a governmental denouncement of stoning as unjust and inhumane, asking representatives to pass this bill to urge Obasango to stop the execution. Now you can have a hand. \nWrite your representative and ask him or her to support the resolution. \nIt's time for the United States to act when help is needed instead of when it's almost too late.