[Kevin Curry]

The only issue is what was the intent of the framers. Which definition (or both) did they intend? Did they institute a HANDS OFF policy regarding any religious subject?

The intent was to disempower forever and always the federal government from interfering with states and individual citizens in matter of religion, i.e., no establishment of a national religion and no interference whatsoever at state levels and beyond in matters of religion.

[xzins]

The intent was to disempower forever and always the federal government from interfering with states and individual citizens in matter of religion, i.e., no establishment of a national religion and no interference whatsoever at state levels and beyond in matters of religion

That's my sense. The wording indicates a total ban on their touching ANYTHING in the area of religion.

Which means that Judge Moore is correct.

Whoever is the next chief justice can put up whatever monument he feels like, and the next can do as he likes, and.....ad infinitum.