Jim Henderson <nos### [at] nospamcom> wrote:
> >   1) Keep the government separate and completely neutral with respect to
> > religion, taking no stance on it whatsoever (as long as they don't break
> > the law, of course), like any other civilized country.

> Declaring a national day of prayer does not have the government taking a 
> stance on religion.

  Of course it is. It's an implicit encouragement from the government for
people to follow a religious custom.

> "Shall make no law respecting the establishment of a religion" does not 
> mean that it prohibits people who work in government from ever talking 
> about religion.

  Of course they are free to do whatever they want, but not officially
on behalf of the government. The government has certain responsibilities
and duties towards their citizens.

  When the president speaks to the country on a televised official ceremony,
that's quite different from the president talking with a friend.

-- 
                                                          - Warp

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