The separation of church and state is one of the great geniuses of the bill of rights (okay, they're all pretty great). And, while we don't get it right all the time, we have a pretty decent working model. France, however, has gone a little bit too far on this one. Fearing an unassimilated and growing muslim minority, the French have decided to outlaw headscarves, yarmulkes and "large" crosses in public schools. But, let's be honest, it was all about the headscarves. Some of the motivation for this edict is also the growing anti-semitism in France. And, I'll be the first to admit that I am frightened by the growing anti-semitism in France and elsewhere. But oppression of religion is not the answer. The separation of church and state is a two part equation. Part one: no establishiment of religion (i.e. no national religion). Part two: free exercise of religion. So, the French need a little work on part two.
Although I have also heard that the Spanish need help with part one. Although only 19% of the population in Spain consider themselves church-going Catholics, the teaching of Roman-Catholicism is now mandated inthe country's schools. Hmmm, I guess I shouldn't get so grumpy about the national Christmas Tree (which is a pagan symbol anyway).
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