[dcwusmc]

“Not “in place of”, but “to reflect, uphold and reinforce” - that’s what I’m suggesting their function is and ought to be.”

Not only “NO,” but HELL NO! GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLACE IN THE MORALITY BUSINESS. In order to enforce “morality” (and who decides whose morality should be enforced? Judeo-Christian? Sharia? Paganism? Animal sacrifice? HUMAN sacrifice? Who decides? And how?), you must of necessity give government TOTAL CONTROL over the populace, and that is UTTERLY unacceptable.

[LearsFool]

who decides whose morality should be enforced?

You and I do. That's the fundamental premise of self-government.

I have not advocated federal interference in this discussion, nor will I. On the contrary, I'm in favor of devolution of power on matters like this (i.e. "wet" counties, "dry" counties, etc.)

On matters of fundamental liberty, no government has authority. On other matters, liberty should be presumed, and the burden of convincing others rests on those who advocate restriction. Fair enough?