It has been said that as long as there are exams, there will always be prayer in schools. This is certainly a light-hearted comment, but it brings to mind a relevant concept: The ideas of faith and religion are inseparable from those of politics and government. The idea of totally separating them is not only preposterous, it's impossible.

Let me qualify this proposition by saying that I do not believe our founding fathers came to America solely to indoctrinate the Indians and establish a religious utopia. I do think, however, that it's impossible to deny that our forefathers sought to break away from religious oppression and establish a country with religious freedom as one of its pillars.

Liberals are usually the first to jump to Jefferson's "separation of church and state" quote to argue everything from opposing school vouchers to not giving tax breaks for donating to religious charities. This quote is taken grossly out of context. First, it should be noted that Jefferson wrote this in a piece of personal correspondence. This has never been noted in any sort of official document. Secondly, it should be noted that this piece of personal correspondence was written to a group of religious people, and in this letter he acknowledged the "Father and creator of man."

In his book, "Winning the Future," Newt Gingrich points out that liberals like to harp on Jefferson's quote but that, "They then ignore the fact that two days later he went to the United States House of Representatives to attend church services."

He also points out that church services were held in the United States House of Representatives until after the Civil War. Jefferson was also head of the District of Columbia school board while he was president and used the Holy Bible and a Christian hymnal as the main texts for its first ever curriculum.

Another liberal talking point (often used in reference to abortion) is that we "cannot legislate morality." This is absurd. We can legislate morality. We've done it for centuries. We do not allow stealing. We do not allow murder.

These are all laws that have their foundations in Judeo-Christian teachings, specifically the Ten Commandments. The idea of allowing abortions because one is scared to impose his or her beliefs on another person is misinformed and narrow minded.

Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged." I'm not for imposing religion on anyone.

However, I am strongly in favor of acknowledging the beliefs that were and are such a vital part of the foundation of this great nation. Without that foundation, America would not be the vibrant democracy that it is today.

-- Blake