The Federalist Society has become the staging ground for Republican nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court.
It's important for us to understand the extent of the Federalists' views on the issues of "original intent," "states' rights," and the "separation of church and state."
I'd like to relate part of a 1998 public forum I shared with Professor Lino Graglia of the University of Texas School of Law. Graglia is a prominent member of the Federalist Society and I believe speaks for the majority of the Federalists here.
(As a courtesy to Professor Graglia, I have just verified with him not only the accuracy of this accounting but his continuing to hold the opinions I relate- out of respect, I would not have diarized had he since moved his position to the mainstream here.)
GRAGLIA: The First Amendment only speaks to "Congress" not establishing a federal church.
(long pause)
ME: Does this mean states remain free under the U.S. Constitution to establish state churches? Could Utah, for instance, once again require membership in the Mormon Church for those who wish to serve in the State Legislature?
GRAGLIA: Yes. In fact, Massachusetts had a state church until the mid-19th century.
Kossacks, I offer this to help you understand the Federalist vision of Scalia-Graglia-Bush is not Libertarian in form. It is instead fascist, and is diametrically opposed to the collectivist ideals underpinning modern progressive thought.