>Freedom of religion makes me giggle. It is really freedom to tell our children what to believe and the freedom to not practice our beliefs in public locations but not the freedom to practice them if we desire to. My daughter spent her first few years of school in a private christian school. She now attends public school. She also attends the Episcopal church as a 'compromise' with my ex-husband who is Catholic. One day she will make her own choice but that choice will most likely be based on what she has learned or not learned during her childhood about religion. It is interesting that religious studies are offered in some colleges, but not all. I wonder sometimes if different religions of the world should be taught in higher education as an elective instead of total avoidance of the subject as many practice now. Of course then some religions would complain that their beliefs are not given equal coverage!

I have read in previous threads, and in some news, that in the U.S., the subject of religion is virtually outlawed in schools and some other places. I understand that even prayers are outlawed, or frowned upon. As a religious person, I find these developments deeply troubling.