Religion

I agree with many of Cassandra's points. I think that while the United States maintains secularism in the public domain, it does not completely distance itself from religion. The establishment/free excercise clause mentioned by Cassandra completely underscores that point. And one can see that in the evolution of how the clause has been interpreted by the Courts over the years. Any level of government is not permitted to be seen as favoring one religion over the other, but support for religion/spirituality in general is sometimes permitted.

Also, the government shall not hinder any person's ability to practice his/her religion as long as the practice stays within permissible bounds. This, for me, is what the United States prizes itself upon. Regardless of how much it seems as if holidays, schedules, the pledge of allegiance, etc. are guided by the Christian faith, one is free to practice his/her religion as he/she sees fit. I remember that one of you mentioned that even in Oman, people are allowed to practice any faith in any way that they prefer, but I think that the overt presence of Islam in the public domain makes it practically harder for people to do so freely. It takes us back to the discussion about the separation of church and state. In the West, this tradition of separation (although not very old) is held very deep and everyone is convinced that it is the best way to go. I think that in the Islamic world, there has always been an intermingling of religion and culture, of religion and law, Islam being a 'way of life' and not just a 'way of faith.' I think that people look at this tradition as a strength, a way of maintaing a cohesive society, and I think rightfully so. Westerners need to realize that while it is a different way of organizing society, it is not necessarily a less optimal way of doing so, its just different, and it is their strength. Any effort to change this forcefully could be devastating. If change is necessary, it will happen bottom-up and it will happen when the majority of the people find it necessary.