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Originally posted by RoninLB
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The Founders wanted a clear separation of organized religion and politics. .....
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That is NOT true. The founders included religous ceremony in many government activities. What they did not want was another church of england, that simple. They practiced their religion freely, in the open, inside as well as outside of government. But they did not sponser a state religion. They also did not allow the state to prevent religous activity, even inside of government. Consequently we have, at least used to have, opening prayers and so forth in many government events.
How else can I be free to practice my religion? If I have to leave my religion at home, thats not freedom, thats intolerance, injustice, slavery. I cannot nor would not impose my religion on others, but I must be free to practice it myself. Government cannot, legally, put any restrictions on my practice. I can pray whenever and where ever I want. Others, out of respect for my rights, must tolerate this, and in return I must tolerate their practices. If 100 people are gathered and 99 are christians, they have the right to a christian prayer. The single person that is not must respect the right of the majority and put up with it. Same reason that gays must shut up and keep quiet. On the other hand the majority must respect the right of the single person not to join in with them. If respect, the foundation of american values, is honored, then everyone can get along, yet not compromise their values.