Sons Of Our Republic

Johnny Cash sang about an angry “Boy Named Sue,” who fought his father in a duel to death, but came away with a different point-of-view.

As the lyrical narrative relates, he wades into the knock-down, drag-out holding every intention of fulfilling “a vow to the moon and stars… to search… and kill that man that gave him that awful name.” In the same manner, many sons of the Republic are angry at Uncle Sam and question their heritage and identity handed down by the founding fathers.

American privileges are wonderful: including peaceable assembly for sporting events, and the right to petition government for a redress of grievances. In sports, this happens frequently when a coach asks for a conference with a game official.

The problem is scores of American citizens have been trained to believe they are locked in a constant life-or-death struggle with their government. Television news tends to amplify differences and promote negative influences of those harboring a persecution complex or entitlement mentality. This poor self-perception has obscured the outlook of the next generation. Many youth view political involvement with reluctance and want to maintain a safe distance from the government.

Several local athletes took steps to counter that trend when they became delegates for Boys State at the University of Central Arkansas Conway campus, May 28 - June 2.

“It is definitely a lot different than football,” said Farmington runningback Caleb Williams. “I was a little cautious at first before I went, being away from working out and being away from work.”

Javan Jowers, another Farmington runningback, said he didn’t have a very good knowledge of what Boys State was, and admitted, “I am a little wary about politics and government.”

Upon arrival each participant was assigned a mock political party, city, and county. According to the Boys State website, throughout the week delegates administrate the mock government as they were conducting official business of the real government. Every phase of the program includes practical instruction on the duties and responsibilities both of a citizen and of public officials. Citizens of “Boys State” are instructed in the duties of the various public offices. After they learn the function of each office, along with the powers and limitations, they function in that role throughout the remaining week.

Williams was involved in making key decisions during the conference. He ran for and was elected as party secretary, then ran for Boys State Associate Supreme Court Justice and was elected by a landslide. Williams made a speech and carried 82 percent of the vote.

Farmington tennis player Coleman Warren was elected to Justice of the Peace 2, for Boys State Rooks County, Boys State City of Schrader, from the Federalist Party. Jowers was elected as State Representative, representing Boys State Smith County, from Boys State City of Rosebud, from the Nationalist Party.

“I did help a few people, who ran for state positions,” Jowers said. “How involved that was at Boys State, it was nothing compared to a real campaign. I definitely have respect for people, who do have

that ambition and through with it.”

Farmington center Cody Parrish was elected to City Council Position 1 for Boys State City of Swain. He was also elected as County Judge for Boys State Qualls County, from the Nationalist Party.

Prairie Grove delegates included: Ben Beason, golf and soccer; John David Elder, football and basketball; Rylan Shrum, football; Travis Southern and Devin Tabor. Beason was elected to Justice of the Peace 6 for Boys State Smith County, Boys State City of Rosebud. Beason was also elected as State Senator, representing Smith County from the Federalist Party.

Elder stayed busy. He was elected to City Council Position 2 for Boys State City of Diamond; and elected as Justice of the Peace 2, from Boys State Hutchinson County. Elder was also elected as State Senator from the Nationalist Party.

Elder described the impact of Boys State.

“It makes you want to be more informed,” Elder said. “You don’t want to go into the voting booth not knowing what you’re voting for, not knowing who you’re voting for. You want to know how the government system works and what all goes into it.” follow MARK HUMPHREY IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR THE ENTERPRISELEADER. THE OPINIONS ARE HIS OWN.