That's interesting. Athiests generally accuse Christians of being fearful of the truth, won't teach their kids stuff, head in the sand, tunnel vision, wearing blinders ad nauseum. But it seems the atheists are the ones that are so afraid of the Magician in the Sky they scream about - if they weren't they wouldn't have to demand it be hidden from their eyes and their kids. Folks usually barely notice that which doesn't threaten them.

"There has to be a balance between self-determination and the common good. " And if that balance is lost and unrecoverable? Do you determine what that "balance" is? Who determines what the "common good" is? You? Obama? I would have said the Constitution of the United States determined it. Those in federal power completely and utterly and totally disregard that social contract with The People. When is it that The People can declare the contract breeched and broken? Never? When the Attorney General grants permission? That is totalitarianism. Serious questions. I would like to hear the answers.

Small Fiefdoms? Are you referring to Texas? It's economy? Geographical size?

Have you read Uncle Sam's Plantation? You're right, some people have no clue . . . .that would be you.

Mr. Lincoln said it was to preserve the union. If he could preserve the union by either outlawing or allowing slavery, he would do so. Is that not correct? Since he was President and Commander and Chief at the time, well, I sorta believe him.