1. IMHO - Some of the Board's actions appear to be one section's "spin" on history and some appear to be just plain fabrication of history (the Jefferson issue). As to the "spin", time will simply judge it as it will and soon enough it will be spun differently. As to the fabrication, it is inexcusable - both public focus upon and public ridicule of such ignorance is appropriate and necessary.
2. The "separation of church and State" is an established constitutional tenant. Period. Most, if not all, of the founders believed in the existance of a creator. Many of the founders were Christian and, certainly, the early population of the country was based in Christianity. Again, IMHO, the protections envisioned by the founders were, in many ways, seen as necessary to protect one sect of Christianity from another. At the same time, the brilliance of the principles enunciated in accomplishing this is demonstrated by their universal appeal to all religious interactions with the governing structures.
I agree with Schneed, freedom "from" v. freedom "of" is essentially the same thing. Thus, the langauge prevents the "establishment" of a government religion (
i.e. freedom "from") at the same time protects the "free exercise" of a person's religion(
i.e. freedom "of").
3. I would respectfully request that those here who disagree with the premise of a creator or the concept of organized religion not assume all who disagree with their philosophical beliefs are small minded and ignorant.
As an aside, at the fall of the western Roman Empire, it it was Christianity that preserved much of the ancient knowledge that otherwise would have been lost with the Fall of Rome.
How the Irish Saved Civilization - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Perhaps before you go blasting us folks who believe in "fairy tales" you might read some history yourselves. Organized religion's faults are many and well documented, however, it seems to me that its successes and beneficial effects are often ignored by those who deem themselves enlighted. (Sorry, I get tired of the smugness of those who accuse others of being small minded and ignorant while at the same time exhibiting, IMO, the same type, if not same degree, of small minded ignorance).