Reply #158: They exist side by side, they are not mutually exclusive. [View All]

[BillE]

The U.S. is both a republic and a democracy. A democracy where we elect representatives from local to federal levels. These representatives are sworn to follow and uphold the constitution. The constitution is what limits what our representatives can do for their constituents. Church State separation is one of them, and yes it does make it atheistic in context that it cannot have any laws that are theistic in nature, but that is it. It also gives individuals freedom practice any religion they want or none at all, as long as it doesn't infringe on others rights.
I also know that many theists treat the word atheist as a dirty word. Secular is a better word, but even that is becoming a dirty word, to neo-cons mostly.
Be aware that the neo-cons and the administration are destroying both our republic and democracy. It is no longer clear that our votes are being counted fairly, eligible voters are being barred from voting, and many places are getting bad voting equipment or either not enough voting equipment, almost always in democratic locations. As for the constitution, the president feels he is exempt from it and congress is allowing it.
Our arguing may be pointless if we the people allow this administration to continue its current direction.