First amendment religion are intimately tied up with each other in the US Constitution. The First Amendment removes Religion from the State: thus separating Religion and the state and giving Americans the right to practice any religion.
In the 18th century this was radical stuff as the Catholics and Protestants had been killing each other off for ever. To this day the English monarch can’t be Catholic: anyone in line of succession for the monarchy who becomes Catholic looses their position! After all the Queen is the Head of the Anglican Church.
What I have never understood is the level of religious affiliation in the US: most Americans believe in God and even Satan: most citizens of Western Democracies don’t believe in either. I find it quite extraordinary the discussion as to who is Obama’s preacher: I have no idea if my prime minister even has a religion never mind what it is : its nothing to do with her politics The First amendment seems to have given Americans the freedom of religion rather than the freedom not to have a religion - that is strange Maybe the next amendment should make religion optional?

George Carlin dies at 71 from heart related problem in Los Angeles. George Carlin became know as the anti-establishment comedian of the 1970's especially for his stand-up comedy full of references to drugs and using "rude words" Its surprising