Separation of Church and State: Does it Exist?

The founding of America was based, in part, on the separation of church and state. The founders saw what happened when the church was linked intricately with government. Rulers like Mary Tudor of England and Phillip the Second of Spain murdered countless numbers because of religious differences. The American forefathers did not want that kind of bloodshed in America. Take the Salem Witch Trials of the early 17th Century; the local council used its judicial power against the people being accused of witchcraft. That was all done at the whims of a pack of girls. Religion created some terrible conflicts and healed many a wounds. The truth is religion plays a big part in every person's life. Whether they make the statement of atheism or follow the Pope zealously its still present in the back of their minds. If this is so then how can any government, democratic or fascist, ever be impartial? Religion is such a heavy influence on every aspect of life from the media to food shopping. No one can escape its tentacles. How can any one ruler serve to the best of his or her ability his or her country when their religion may get in the way of the best decision for the public. As a leader your rule cannot be controlled by your own hand but by the hand of the people. It is their best interests you should serve. Sometimes you cannot act with the sects of your religion, but you have to have the courage to step outside its boundaries. One must keep the interests of the people at heart no matter what dissenting views one has to be truly worthy of a follower's trust.