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Shelley Osterloh Reporting ...Sixty Utah high school students are at the state capitol today discussing the United States' role in the World.
Of course, the focus is on the War in Iraq and what happens there next.
But the goal of the program is help students think about America's future.
This gathering is part of a year long civic education program offered to Utah High School students. Seven different schools are represented here today.
The event is called The Utah Capitol Forum on America's Future. And government leaders, like Lt. Governor Olene Walker, Senator Lyle Hillyard and Representative Patricia Jones discussed a variety of state issues with students.
And they also discuss and debate world issues like conflict, trade and immigration, plus democracy and human rights, and how to build a stable, more cooperative world.
Of course the war in Iraq was an important topic..
Lola Duncan, Christian Heritage High: "ITS JUST REALLY VALUABLE BECAUSE YOU LEARN ABOUT DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND WHAT THEY THINK, AND YOU LEARN ABOUT EVEN YOUR SELF AND WHAT OPINIONS YOU HAVE."
Michael Kanell, Beaver High School: "WE REALIZE WE WERE HIT BY TERRORIST ON 9/11 AND SO ITS CLEAR RIGHT HERE. WE CAN BE HIT. AND IF THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO THAT. LIKE SADDAM HUEISEAN THEY NEED TO BE STOPPED BEFORE THEY START."
Steve Harris, Clearfield High School: "I'M VERY BEHIND THE UN AND I THINK WE NEED TO COOPERATE WITH OTHER NATIONS TO HELP OUR OWN NATION."
Crystal Hanley, Beaver High School: "I DON'T THINK NOW THAT THEY SHOULD GO IN AN DO A DEMOCRACY I THINK THEY SHOULD GO IN AND LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE WHAT THEY WANT AND IF THEY WANT ANOTHER DICTATOR TO GO IN AND DO IT, I THINK THEY SHOULD LET THEM."
Lara Galas, Christian Heritage School: "IT JUST OPENED OUR EYES TO LOOK AT THESE CERTAIN SITUATIONS AND TO APPLY HOW IT WOULD AFFECT OUR LIVES AND IT WAS REALLY INTERESTING.
Some very articulate, thoughtful kids here today.
Lt. Governor Olene Walker says listening to the ideas of the young people gives her great confidence the future.
