FREEDOM FORUM OFFERS REGION'S TEENS A LOOK AT GOVERNMENT

High school students from around the state will meet in Cape Girardeau next week to discuss American politics and economics.

The Missouri Freedom Forum begins Sunday and will attract between 150 and 200 students.

Cape Girardeau's Freedom Forum is one of just two such programs in the state. The other Missouri Freedom Forum is held in Mexico in June.

"What we are asking high school kids to do is give us three days to take a good look at the American political, economic and social structure, how it came about, how well it works and how it compares to other systems," said David Lankford, vice president of education for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

"We hope after three days they will have a little better understanding and a much better appreciation of what they have," Lankford said. "Our whole thrust is that if we don't appreciate our system, if we take it for granted, we will very quickly lose it."

During the three days, students hear expert speakers talk about what they see as strengths and challenges coming in the next 10 to 20 years. Students also have an opportunity to discuss in small groups what they have heard.

The program is sponsored locally by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and Southeast Missouri State University and statewide by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation.

Linda Minner, administrative assistant with the local chamber, said, "The Missouri Freedom Forum is designed to provide young Missourians an opportunity to discuss with professional speakers, business leaders, legislators and counselors the basics of the American economic, political and business systems."

Students will discuss contrasting principles of other governments and economics.

"They will talk about the philosophy of private enterprise and participation of citizens in our Democratic system," Minner said.

This is the seventh year for the Freedom Forum to be held in Cape Girardeau.

"The Missouri Chamber and Missouri Farm Bureau approached us and asked if we would be interesting in co-sponsoring the program and, of course, we said `yes,'" Minner said.

She said local businesses and civic organizations have been partners in the program, providing funds to send students to the forum.

Lankford said the Cape Girardeau and Mexico Freedom Forums have endured when other programs have folded.

"We have tried others in other locations like St. Louis and Kansas City, but after four or five years they dwindled away. We couldn't find a solid sponsor," Lankford said.

"The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce is a strong co-sponsor. And we continue to get good sponsorship of students from Southeast Missouri."

Kicking off the program is Allan Brownfeld, journalist and political analyst, who will discuss the political system from a historical perspective.

"He will also talk about challenges like education, and the breakup of the family unit and the lack of interest and respect in elected officials," Lankford said.

Blair Moran, Sikeston insurance agent and Vietnam veteran, will also talk with students.

"His message is that you can't take any of this for granted. People have served and died for the things we have," Lankford said.

Students will also participate in a computerized simulation of a two-year term in Congress, starting with a narrow victory in the election.

"In the course of 12 turns they will serve a two-year term in Congress, deciding which committees to serve on and how they will vote on certain bills, even who to hire for their staff," Lankford said.

"No matter what they do, someone criticizes them for it," he said. "At the end, they are running for re-election and the game shows how they have done and if they will be re-elected."

Only about two-thirds of the student congressmen win reelection.

"The general malaise and criticism of our country can discourage young people," said Lankford. "We try to be honest with the kids and say we've got some problems but have the best system around.

"We are really thrilled that we're continuing to do the program and there is continued interest in the business community and the academic community in Southeast Missouri."

Local students attending the Missouri Freedom Forum are Gregory J. Bone, Craig Elfrink, Emily Fisher, Philip Johnson, Angela Judd, Chris Schaefer, David Tanner, Paula S. Welker, all seniors at Notre Dame High School; Melanie Hicks, sophomore at Jackson High School; and Yung Hee Park, junior at Central High School.