[RoninLB]

Measure France's economy against Germany's for a clear pic. Germany started reforming in theory last yr or two. France didn't.

France's progressive and discriminatory social policies will make them the first Euro country to face a serious Muslim political backlash in coming years imo. Look at population growth figures.

The Founders wanted a clear separation of organized religion and politics. Even Mt Rushmore has no practicing religious. Thomas Paine was a religious writer before he hooked up with spreading a revolution thru the Christian churches in an underground maneuver. That said it has always been routine for US presidents to speak of and connect policy with "God".

US social policy is traditional family oriented that encourages a large middle class. Some would argue that a major Scot-Irish culture instilled self reliance, "people" strength, and Christianity.