Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The Sept. 30, 2010 issue of the Gazette-Journal had a note titled "Editor’s Copy" regarding the influence of the Tea Party on this year’s election cycle. What caught my attention was the following excerpt that notes:

"But to hear Glenn Beck and others talking of God and a political agenda as connected, disturbs some who believe separation of church and state is one of the greatest strengths of this country."

The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States begins:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …"

When the amendment spoke of "an establishment of religion," it was a narrow prohibition upon the state establishing its own church. I cannot speak to experience above the Mason-Dixon line, but here in Virginia, memories were fresh of the injustices perpetrated upon the public by the state church, the Church o...