[joebuck]

"What did Jefferson mean when he said he revered the religion clauses because, "the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions?"

Sounds to me like he is saying it's not a legitimate power of government to dictate what people should beieve - like forcing them to financially support and attend an offical State Church. The statement certainly can't justify banning nativity scenes at high schools which are voluntarily created by willing students and faculty. I believe the statement would also apply to "hate crime" legislation, multi-cultural indoctrination and a host of other liberal shibboliths.

[FredFlash]

Do you think that Jefferson believed that the legitimate powers of government reached to a man’s opinions about whether there is “One God Over Our Nation” or whether he should make a graven image or keep the Sabbath or “Trust in God?”

[FredFlash]

Do you believe that a genuine religious act can be one where the prime mover was the government and not God? If a city worker sets up a nativity scene upon the order of the city manager (not God) is that a religious act?