WITCHY WOMAN

During a senatorial debate with her Democrat opponent, Republican candidate (Delaware) Christine O'Donnell asked "Where in the Constitution is separation of church and state?" When told that it was the First Amendment that established the separation, she replied "The First Amendment does? . . . So you're telling me that the separation of church and state, the phrase 'church and state,' is in the First Amendment?"

Really? REALLY?

Her campaign later released a statement saying O'Donnell "was not questioning the concept of separation of church and state as subsequently established by the courts. She simply made the point that the phrase appears no where in the Constitution."

Subsequently established by the courts, huh? (sigh)

If you're going to run for office, there ought to be some kind of test that candidates should be required to take. A basic one, if you will, that tests their knowledge of how government works, maybe throw in some simple Constitution trivia, perhaps? I mean, you have to take a road AND written test before you get a drivers license, but any Joe Sixpack or Sally Housecoat with enough time on their hands can run for office.

Ms. O'Donnell, while not one of my "poopers," does read my blog occasionally, so I'm going to take a minute to school her on the First Amendment. I have a copy of it in my home, by way of a book everyone should own a copy of, A Patriots Handbook by Caroline Kennedy.

So with that said, here goes:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Christine, when you lose this election, you might want to take a few night courses to brush up on the high school civics lessons you have clearly forgotten.