Seldom do we post an incomplete article on any subject but this issue needs exploration. The Founding Fathers specified “separation of Church and State”. They knew that the British monarchy (which they were fleeing) was greatly influenced by the Church of England. Our country was to be based on an independent political system of democracy and rules of governing were adopted to organize and manage that objective in 1776 and shortly thereafter. Fast forward to today. Most of the time our elected officials seem to try to act consistent with the US Constitution, Amendments and The Bill of Rights. But the separation of church and state issue has never really been addressed in today’s America. Laws cite that kids must be provided schooling until at least age 16. Tax dollars support that edict. Private (that is “religious”) schools assume the legal responsibility to educate kids and take the place of the government in every state. Millions of private school kids receive little or no financial help from any government in the form of tuition. (There are a few concessions like school buses, cafeteria supplies, etc.) But private school kids parents pay twice. They pay their share of taxes AND they pay private school tuition and other costs. We’re suggesting a new approach to education across the board with this post. With the backdrop of objections we would like to address each issue. First, the main argument–separation of Church and State. There are many examples of church-state identity…”In God we trust” on every coin; using the Bible to swear in witnesses; biblical quotes on every courthouse in the country; the phrase “under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance. These references all show that the separation is really in name only. Second comment: the separation principle was born from a fear that the Official Church of England type of religious influence could exist here. After 250+ years that is a simply not possible. We are a nation of many different denominations, including atheists, agnostics and others who would never let any one set of beliefs dominate. Third, the separation principle is out of date in todays environment. Maintaining public AND private schools only because a few minutes a day are spent on religion is ludicrous. Imagine all the extra cost to establish and maintain separate facilities, administrative staff, supplies, and other expenses–all for the sake of a few minutes of religious instruction. Further, imagine what all that private school tuition money pumped back into the mainstream economy would do to create jobs, increase domestic output, reduce welfare plan costs, etc. When people cling to the separation principle they must realize that the same document that demanded this separation also demanded that all legal debts be repaid in gold. Our point: the separation principle is sorely out-of date and needs to be re-visited. We said at the beginning that we didn’t have a complete thought in this post. We just want people to think about alternative ways to maintain and improve the educational opportunities for future generations while building a stronger overall America. Think about it. And watch for future postings on this topic.
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