>1) if this is indeed an example of Shariah law...and if Shariah law is what some would be introduced into the USA
>(consider examples of this in Detroit, MI in the news of the past few years), what might this mean?

Why even ask that question if you have read the Bill of Rights? Cruel and inhuman punishment is prohibited by the 8th amendment. I assume you have read the Bill of Rights, and I assume you can recognize crucifixion as cruel and inhuman punishment, so your only reason for raising this issue is create FUD of Islam.