nWhilenhe was governor of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura declared July 4 to benIndivisible Day—a day celebrating the separation of church andnstate.
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Venturanpointed out the importance of this separation by quoting “foundingnfather” James Madison, who wrote, “Thenpurpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever fromnthese shores the endless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe innblood for centuries.”nMadison was right—there have been countless wars in Europe overnwhich religion is the “right” one, and millions of people havendied over religious differences.
Venturanpointed out the importance of this separation by quoting “foundingnfather” James Madison, who wrote, “Thenpurpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever fromnthese shores the endless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe innblood for centuries.”nMadison was right—there have been countless wars in Europe overnwhich religion is the “right” one, and millions of people havendied over religious differences.n
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Thanksnto Madison, Jefferson, and other founders, the U.S. Constitutionnspecifically states that the government shall not establish a statenreligion, nor make laws that favor a particular religion. Instead,nthe Constitution insists that the American people are free to worshipnany religion (or no religion) they choose.
Thanksnto Madison, Jefferson, and other founders, the U.S. Constitutionnspecifically states that the government shall not establish a statenreligion, nor make laws that favor a particular religion. Instead,nthe Constitution insists that the American people are free to worshipnany religion (or no religion) they choose.n
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nnVenturancalled the day “Indivisible Day” to urge people to provide mutualnrespect and equal protection for all, including people of differentnreligions. He said such equality was crucial if America were tonremain “one nation, indivisible.”
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(Ofncourse, Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is alsoncelebrated in Minnesota today!)
(Ofncourse, Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is alsoncelebrated in Minnesota today!)n
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