I never said that there was a separation of church and state clause in the Constitution. Article I of the Constitution says:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
As you know the constitution is the "framework" upon which we base our democracy. To me it is clear that the intent of the framers was that the state shall not regulate the church.
Nor shall the state prohibit the free exercise thereof. If the state were to favor one religion over another, that would in and of itself be the prohibition of the free exercise of another's religion.
Thus to me, and to many others before me, the framework of the constitution provides for the separation of church and state.
As the Constitution is a framework, and not a whole body of law. It is also the work of the three branches of government to administrate, legislate, and adjudicate.
The body of law as it pertains to the separation of church and state is clear and well documented and is based on constitutional law. This was not done by laymen as yourself, but by the highest court in the land.
It is often the down fall of laymen as yourself, who by taking a predisposition while trying to interpret the Constitution, fully mis-interpret the document.
Separation of church and state is supported not only in the body of law, but also by the writings of the framers themselves. And thus, is the just and true law of the land.
I'm sure that you would have us all on our knees reading the "scriptures" of your liking every day, but fortunately citizens who do not share your view, nor share your place of worship need not be affronted by zealots such as you when it comes to matters of the state.
Orca |
