Thanks for the more in-depth clarification. Philosophically we’re on the same page; such laws — if they exist — ought not be the purview of the Federal Government, but at some level closer to the people as the best government is SELF government.
I completely agree with that. For me, the Federal Government should be involved in as few things as possible, letting states set most of the policy. If you want to live off the dole, and NY wants to let that happen, then move to NY. That way, people can move to the states that support their beliefs, and we have 50 sovereign states loosely joined and regulated by the Federal Government.
I would even be fine with Virginia proclaiming that it is an Anglican state and Maryland saying it is Catholic. I read the 1A as a restriction on what Congress can do, not the states. That is why I dont like the Federal courts saying that some town cant display Christmas decorations. What amendment restricts a city’s ability to allow or stop it?