[Sloth]

Portions of that [14th] amendment do indeed restrict the legislative powers of the states, but they refer only to actions that affect the privileges, immunities, legal rights and equal legal status of individual citizens and persons. The first clause of the First Amendment in no way deals with persons, however, but rather – in concert with the 10th Amendment – secures the right of the states and the people to be free from the dictates of federal law respecting an establishment of religion.

I like Keyes, but he is simply wrong. The Bill of Rights applies to individual persons as well as 'the people' as a whole -- otherwise we are nothing more than a tyranny of the majority.

[johnb838]

tyranny of the majority.

I'm more concerned about a "Tyranny of the Minorities" these days. It used to be people in the minority on various issues simply accepted it and went on. Now they seem to believe they have some inalienable right to boss the majority around. We have to change that.

[rwfromkansas]

Indeed, the BOR does apply to persons, but not the establishment clause particularly. The restriction is on Congress, not individuals.