[xxpor]

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

That's the difference.

>strongly left-wing nature of America’s cultural institutions

America's cultural institutions are certainly strong and center-left, but not extremely left wing. You don't see Hollywood promoting kibbutzim or the abolition of commodities. The truth is way more boring: Rich people on the coasts are general pro-gay marriage or what have you, but don't try to build dense housing near them or raise their taxes.

[esyir]

American idpol is at the pretty extreme end) left I'd say, even compared to europe.