The reason for a "separation of church and state" is to prevent the State from controlling religion, not to stop religion from influencing the state.
I agree. As I said, a socialist state by its nature tends to destroy religion - destruction is one form of influence. I value the cultural heritage including especially religion - this means of course Christianity - and it is in danger of extinction. This is just one reason I am in favor of drastically reducing the scope of USA federal government, making it more attuned with original intent of Constitution.
All that said, a critique of Bush's Presidency that ignores political realities to retain ideological purity is academic at best. So, for example, I support Faith-Based Initiative. I am aware that government funding screws things up, but this is part of a push for action that may do some good as opposed to merely howling as darkness falls.