The separation of church and state is often misconceived. Its is meant to keep the government from controlling the church, not keep religion out of the government. Anyone that says the gay marriage issue is a violation of the separation of church and state really needs a history lesson. The country was founded upon christian values, that cannot be argued. As far as the economy, it is our greed and e moral ways that have gotten us into this mess. If everyone was to uphold christian values, whether religious or not, the country would be in better shape.