mb:
About the political philosophy at the root of America's founding, have a look at:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/938320/posts
This political philosophy comes from Christians, as formulated chiefly by Britons. The Founding Fathers established a federal government that was "secular" in that it manifestly does not enact Church behavior, nor is it under the rule of any established church. That is not to be confused with the fact of our nation being founded upon the beliefs and principles of Christians. (Among these beliefs are the rights of individual freedom of belief and general expression, since Christ allows these freedoms in this world and age.)
Our President said all this in shorthand, when asked which was his favorite "political philosopher." ;-`
I have no problem with your statement, or with his favorite philospher. I rather liked that response (Bush's) by the way. However, the idea that there'd be no aristocracy, that the gov't would be by the people, for the people, was inspired by French revolutionary philosophy. I think my original statement was that the const. was based upon Christian ideals and french philosophy - are we arguing here?