The Separation of Church and State.

The Separation of Church and State.  It is a very powerful term.  Our founding fathers clearly meant that we would have no state mandated religion.  We, as American men (as women didn't count for much in those days), would not be forced to worship in anyone's church.  The founding fathers felt that this idea of freedom, extending from religion to the press to the right of protest was so highly valued that it is first on the list of amendments:

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.

Now, in the long run, the separation of church and state has extended to the government does not tax church property and income.  Further, for individuals (and if I'm wrong, I'm sure you'll correct me), this extends that any income from church related activities (provided you are a minister, pastor or such) is not taxed.

BUT, the wrong wing goes on and on about how there shouldn't be a separation of church and state.  We're a Christian nation, they say.  Well, then, I say, let's tax the churches -- property tax especially.  Salaries for pastors, ministers, etc. tax them too.

No separation of church and state should mean -- NO SEPARATION!

God Bless