This is a follow-up my Feb. 19 letter titled "No God," in which I stated "God is not allowed in our government." The political events occurring since then have totally supported my comments. The lack of religious tolerance (contraceptive mandate), the attempt to redefine marriage and the removal of the mentioning of "God" in the Democratic platform are good examples. Our state elected officials abrogating their responsibility to our courts to draw new voting lines is another. Many, many more could be cited.

"Without God, man ultimately chooses selfishness over solidarity and love, material things over values, having over being." -- Pope Benedict XVI, at the Marian shrine of Loreto.

Our politicians on both sides of the aisle continue to put their own selfish interests over the good of the nation/state. Simply put: There is almost a total lack of statesmanship remaining -- "God" is not allowed in.

Now is the time to act to reverse this trend. It didn't happen overnight and won't be changed overnight with the coming election. Yet the failed presidency of President Obama needs to be totally and unequivocally rejected. First, we all need to vote. There is no excuse for Christians to fail to vote and then bemoan the fact they have lost their religious liberties. To claim "my vote doesn't matter in Kansas" is utter folly. The margin of defeat gained in this election sends a clear signal to those elected, and those currently holding office that we are once again seeking to regain our constitutional rights.

Second, all Christians need to pray for our state and nation. Prayer is the answer. God hears and answers our prayers. We need to clearly reject media and academic attempts to marginalize those of us who firmly believe in prayer. Through prayer, you will find what additional steps God is calling for you to do. God gave us the Ten Commandments, not to place restrictions upon us, but that we might experience joy.

We were founded as "one nation under God." Let us all do our part so that we will indeed remain "under God." Every elected official needs to be held accountable for upholding our constitutional rights. Please, get out and vote.

Lawrence J. Reichert

Hays