No God

2/9/2012

No God

Currently in the USA there is a curious phenomenon taking place. President Barack Obama is not only opposed at every point but seems to be despised by the Republicans. The Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress are unable to pass any meaningful legislation failing to reach a compromise. Meanwhile, the Occupy Wall Street crowd is demonstrating (sometimes violently) the inequities in our financial system.

In the Kansas Legislature, Democrats and Republicans struggle to pass any meaningful legislation waiting to pass the required annual budget in the waning moments of each session. Redistricting will be very contentious. Then it's the local school board vs. F.A.S.T. and its broken promises. It's also the local library board vs. the tea party and the teaching of our U.S. Constitution.

What do all of these seemingly unrelated events have in common? I believe it is this: God is not allowed in the room.

You see this did not just happen overnight. In 1963, it was Madalyn O'Hair. In 1973, it was Roe vs. Wade. Slowly, God has been taken out of the U.S. public sector under false pretenses like separation of church and state, the freedom to choose, etc.

Our nation remained "under God" when it was able to rid itself of racism -- it wouldn't have been possible otherwise. We will not be able to solve the problems our nation faces today without God's help. Separation of church and state was never meant to mean "no God."

President Ronald Reagan said, "The totalitarian world finds symbols of love and of worship an affront." I say our country is slowly finding symbols of love and of worship an affront.

In his inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy said the rights for which our forebears fought "come not from the generosity of the state, but rather from the hand of God." You see, if religious liberty is prior to the state and not a privilege granted by government, then we rightfully look to our government to fulfill its duty to protect religious liberty, promote religious tolerance and accommodate the place of religion in America. There is no freedom of speech if one is free to say what he or she believes only privately, but not publicly through the media, art, libraries and schools.

My fellow HDN readers: God blesses a nation with peace and tranquility when its citizens seek his face and put him first. God plus capitalism equals life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. No God plus no prayer equals no "truth." We need take heed.

Lawrence J. Reichert

Hays