"Let's break down the first amendment kid (Raygun) into elements, shall we?"
You can try, but I will present a better job of it.
"1. Congress shall make no law - that means no state/federal action imposing an affirmative duty on anyone, or prohibiting something as criminal." - Punk
"First, some common sense and the dictionary, in which we can all find a common reference to the words themselves. What do they mean?
Congress: Common sense. We know who this is. This is the body of men and women we elect to represent us in the Federal Government that propose new laws in the form of Bills. Our elected representatives.
shall make no law: Common sense again. That's pretty easy to understand as well. No law means no law - Not any, not one, none. There's nothing ambiguous about that. So now we have, Our elected representatives will not make any law (about something). About what?" - Buck
"2. respecting the establishment of religion - that means supporting religion" - Punk
"respecting: With respect to. In respect of. Regarding. Simple. Regarding something. Regarding what? Now we have, Our elected representatives will not make any law regarding (something). Not only something in particular, but even something in respect to (that something). What is that something?
an establishment of: This is not a reference to a place, like a bar or a restaurant you might call an establishment. It is not a reference to a building, not even a church building. It is the condition or fact of being established. In this case, by law. So now we have, Our elected representatives will not make any law regarding (something) that will establish (that something) by law. What is that something?
religion: Notice it does not say church. It does not say a religion. It does not say a particular religion. It does not say one religion over others. It is a single word: Religion. What is religion? Here it is: Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. It is all-inclusive." - Buck
"3. or prohibiting the free exercise thereof - prohibiting someone from practicing their religion"
Exactly, and that's exactly what the gov't does under the guise of "seperation of church and state".
"Summary: the gov't can't prohibit you or make you practice religion. So go practice, but you can't force anyone else to join you by state action - state action would be schools, teachers, politicians, and the anyone else on income paid through taxes"
You're right. I never said anything about forcing anyone to pray. It fact, that's impossible.
The forefathers were smart enough to say what they meant. Stop trying to read something else into it. They understood the importance of being very clear in their statements afterall, they were masters of the english language.
Visit here.
Just read it and find a flaw.
http://www.buckcash.com/opinions/1stamendment.htm