I fully agree, EEE. And this is always how I understood the argument, even back to my days in school. It doesn't take a genius to see that what the conservative Christian movement actually has in mind with the school prayer issue is school GROUP prayer.

In fairness, though, there isn't really any time built into a school teacher's day, or a student's day, for prayer, if so desired. And if you cross that bridge, how much time do you allow? Should all Muslim kids be given time at lunch and the day's close to fully wash feet and pray (15-20 minutes or more?)

In my mind, freedom of religion is a given. Freedom TO practice religion is a little more complicated within a polyglot society. It gives rise to a whole bunch of uncomfortable questions around things like immigration policy as well. It's often taken for granted that the US's blended society makes for a stronger whole. I think I believe that myself. But is it really true?