The other day the originator of the neutral-inclusive Norm was talking about the role of the state with a friend living in an area below sea level. They agreed that, given its existence, the state should do certain things for society as a whole which individuals or small groups are not able to do on their own. Thus, in very low-lying land the state should take care of the construction and maintenance of dikes to protect the population against floods, provided the occupation of the land is not controversial. In a democracy it is the majority which will decide where the dikes are to be built, what material they are to be made of, how high and wide they are going to be, and --not to forget-- what contributions are required from the citizens to make this possible.

But then the originator's friend asked 'im: "If this can be a task of the state and if a democratic majority can decide on this, why can't such a majority decide to establish or promote religion or a particular religion in the same way?"

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57.SML-60.NEY