This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I've been pondering America's past and future. Our forefathers agreed that America could not be great unless it was moral and righteous.

For example, in his Farewell Address, President George Washington warned:

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens."

Similarly, John Adams wrote: "It is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand. … We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. ... Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

With religion on the decline and immorality now government-sanctioned, including abortion and gay marriage, I doubt America can continue to be great.

If you care about our future, do more than just fly the flag. Recommit yourself and those you influence to God and a moral life.

Melanie Clark

Salt Lake City