Separation of Meaning from Reality

"France and the United States have strong laws that uphold the separation of church and state, while many other nations do not. What model should those who favor democracy and human rights promote in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and the former Soviet republics? Separation of church and state (and mosque)? One established "church?" Or some kind of middle road?"
-in an email from the Communitarian Network

My response:
I think the phrase "separation of church and state" confuses the two-fold nature of the religious clauses in the first amendment.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
(the government can not endorse or oppose particular religions.)
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...
(when people express their religious beliefs, the government can not interfere)

The phrase "separation of church and state" makes it appear that the government is to be shielded from religion. It makes for a great sound byte, but fails miserably to convey the meaning that comes through an actual reading of the two clauses. I think you would get more thoughtful responses by dropping the phrase "separation of church and state" and sticking with what the first amendment actually says.