'FREE EXERCISE' Today, the 'morning after' the Inauguration ceremonies and parties - our president and vice president, the cabinet, much of the diplomatic corps, leaders of the military and their families - all gathered in worship at the 'National' Cathedral in Washington DC. Readings, prayers, a homily - were offered by Protestant Preachers, Catholic Bishops, Jewish Rabbi, and a Muslim Mullah. A moving prayer was offered by the Rev. Billy Graham. Hymns were sung. Our God was praised - and prayerfully entreated to bless our nation. This was the National Prayer Service - and it happens every year. Too bad it will never be on the news. It might incite the 'separation of church & state' crowd to protest. At least that protest might get folks thinking about the concept. Because if they think about it, there is glimmer of hope we all can have conversations about what that means with those who wonder. Who are 'unencumbered by knowledge.' It gets back to the 'dare not offend' believers who parrot secular relativism (as a sort of defense mechanism, if you ask me). We have got to engage on this issue, and help our young believers see that the 'separation of church & state' hokum is just a smokescreen device used to misinterpret this country's Constitution (and values). A good roundhouse kick is a great way to get someone's attention - not to mention their respect - and that's what this is about. Christians simply must be better able to self-identify with regard to their belief system. We can't risk becoming like the mealy-mouthed Europeans. 'Church & State' mumbo jumbo is prior restraint on our free speech rights. Christians have got to be 'armed & equipped' to come back with a meaningful invititation to dialogue, like saying: "The issue is this. the constitution says: 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof' - let's talk some more and maybe we can get into agreement on that. The First Amendment is more than just 'settled law' my friend, it is a most cherished value. With me on that?" And if that doesn't work, bam! Give 'em a spin kick.