begin taxing religious institutions and the clergy, in order to account for their enormous influence on politics

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." Religious organizations are not accountable to the American People, which subsidizes them. Non-profit organizations are subject to IRS audit and public scrutiny, but in the case of religious organizations, however, the books are closed. For every tax dollar a religious organization does not pay, the People pay it on its behalf. Many are among the wealthiest organizations in the world. An estimate showed religious income in 1986 as approx. $100 billion, or about 5 times the income of the 5 largest corporations in the U.S. ALL TAX FREE. If "the separation of church and state" means anything, we must treat religious organizations and the clergy just like everyone else. Let them render unto the People!