Nice article, however;
Just as the concept, separation of church and state is not in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, yet is drawn upon as the outside authority for the State. Further, there appears to be a movement which is attempting to remove the underlying concept of inalienable as an individual’s right based on what the Federal Government permits; instead of being constrained or restricted.
If the original intent is “subject” versus “citizens,” well then an individual’s rights are subject to the State’s desires…this is what separates the French Constitution from the U.S. Constitution.
The article clears up that Jefferson was protecting the church from the state, or federal government, and not vice versa. That was my interest in it. I also was interested in the fact that as Governor, he declared Days of Prayer and Fasting but declined to do it as President since he believed that the Federal government had no say in religion.