ASHCROFT CALLS FOR `CULTURE OF RESPONSIBILITY'

U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft, R-Missouri, spent Wednesday on a whirlwind tour of five Missouri cities driving home a message about the need for fundamental change in the federal government.

In a 10-hour period, Ashcroft flew to Farmington to speak at a breakfast with community leaders; spoke at an American history class in Sikeston; tinkered with farm equipment in Kennett; marked lumber at a Poplar Bluff wood products firm; and covered chairs at a furniture manufacturer in West Plains.

At each stop, he hammered out the same message: That the U.S. should have a "culture of responsibility" in place of a government that is too large and too immersed in Americans' daily lives.

"We are on the brink of an incredible revolution in this country," Ashcroft said. "But there has to be a little pain here and a little pain there to do it."

Many of the people Ashcroft spoke to echoed his concerns.

"Things are deteriorating," said Vern Collins, 47, of West Plains. "As a society we are failing. When schools put out graduates that can't read or spell or don't know how to dress for a job interview, we are in trouble."

Collins, general manager of Amyx Mfg., an oak-furniture maker that employs 90, said he is optimistic about the future despite his grim appraisal.

"Especially with people like Mr. Ashcroft running things. I think things are finally going to turn around."

As Ashcroft spoke to his American history class in Sikeston, teacher Bob Depro said he is trying to get his students to realize a massive shift occurred in the government after the November 1994 election.

"Having the senator here is so valuable in making the students understand the major turning point this country is at. It will be an important part of our history, as important with Franklin Roosevelt's first 100 days," he said.

Sikeston High School junior Shawn Mickell said he has great hopes for the future Ashcroft painted.

"We realize how historic this is," Mickell said. He said his generation is in need of the values Ashcroft espoused, adding "we're more mature than people realize, and see how important the change is."

After the first 100 days and the passage of several provisions of the GOP's Contract With America, Ashcroft said he is pleased with what has been done, but the failure of the balanced budget amendment riles him.

"A balanced budget amendment is the keystone to it all, really," Ashcroft said.

The freshman Republican senator lambasted the federal government for "refusing to pay its bills, for its irresponsible leadership."

He said the former Congress "validated irresponsibility by exempting itself from the laws it made other institutions follow. It was a government saying: Do as I say, not as I do."

"Do people say, `I don't know what to feed my kids unless the government tells me?' No. The government thinks what's not good for America is good for the government."