I've often wondered how an amendment that says, in plain language, "If it
involves religion, Congress can't pass ANY law either for or against it," can be
interpreted to mean "the Federal government gets to decide what religious
practices are allowed in which parts of society."  I guess it's the same
mentality that says "the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be
infringed" means "the people can't own or carry guns unless the government gives
them permission."

Wayne (who just realized his concealed carry permit is due for renewal this
month) Brown




Winston Kriger <[log in to unmask]> on 07/10/2000 07:44:53 PM

Please respond to Winston Kriger <[log in to unmask]>

To:   [log in to unmask]
cc:    (bcc: Wayne Brown/Corporate/Altec)

Subject:  Re: [HP3000-L] e-commerce in hype-rdrive



Wirt Atmar wrote in message <[log in to unmask]>...
>Jim writes:
>>.  Because witchcraft is a recognized religion, he thought this was
>>  just as bad as a public school teacher reading the Bible to his kid in
>>  school.


Among other things,  Amendment 1 of the U.S. Constitution states that:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
 prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

I have often wondered about who/what is in charge of "recognizing" a
religion.
I suppose it must be the IRS (or other "law-making" entities such as the
"Justice Department",  FBI,  ATF,  LA Police Dept., etc.)

Winston (Inquiring minds want to know) Kriger