The cost of war counter is up on the side of city hall. But there was a hitch Wednesday morning, when private workers were interrupted by local attorney Bob Murphy telling them they didn't have the right permits. Murphy has said he'd sue if the city erected the sign. But later Wednesday afternoon, city workers stepped in to finish the job. Critics say erecting the sign is illegal, and disrespectful to soldiers and veterans. The mayor's office says the cost of war is related to a new art exhibit at city hall, and other messages can be displayed, if they are related to art exhibits inside. "We're setting up a policy that allows, a content neutral policy, that allows people to, if they follow the guidelines, have a small display on the outside of city hall," said Mayor Matt Ryan (D) Binghamton. "When I spoke to my son, he said it felt like a slap in his face, and to his fellow soldiers as well," said Robert C. Murphy, Father of a Soldier, Attorney. When the sign was finally installed by city workers, it was put in upside down. Workers had to pull it off and put it in the right way. According to the new regulations, the sign can only be up until the end of July. (Binghamton NY) - Members of Broome County Cost of War Awareness Project announced today that the electronic sign featuring digital messages regarding the costs of war will be temporarily mounted on City Hall as part of the Cost of War Art Show which runs from June through July at City Hall. Since the initial announcement back on April 14th, we have received tremendous support from people near and far, including many veterans who know all too well the human costs of war,said Sue McAnanama, Outreach Coordinator for the project. We had hoped to have this sign mounted permanently as a constant reminder of the human and financial costs of war, but we are glad to have this opportunity to make this a part of the art exhibit for the next two months. It will be an incredible show featuring national and local artists who had heard of our local campaign and wanted to be a part of raising awareness about the many tragic costs of war. In compliance with the City amended Art Exhibit Application and Policy, the group will be paying for temporary installation and removal of the sign. The group also announced that for the first few days, the sign will feature the total number of U.S. service members who died during last century major wars and the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our goal has always been to promote a civil dialogue on the subject of war and national priorities, and we welcome and encourage an exchange that is respectful, free of name calling and honest, said McAnanama. Though our awareness campaign received strong support from two national veteran organizations, we regret that some misunderstood our intentions or felt offended. We listened to that frustration, and weve decided to make sure that for the first few days, we reflect on a cost of war that is incalculable: the human cost. Starting with the opening reception, the messages will then primarily focus on the financial costs of war. The group will use the factual information provided by National Priorities Project (www.nationalpriorities.org).The Cost of War Show, another element of the local awareness campaign, will feature national, regional and local artists in multiple media who will more broadly interpret the theme “cost of war, including the social, moral, physical, and financial costs of war. The show, which will run for two months, will open June 4th with an artist reception from 6pm 9pm, including a diverse entertainment lineup from drummers to the spoken word. A participatory mural will provide an opportunity for everyone attending the show to record their views by drawing or writing their contributions. The show is in Binghamton City Hall Gallery, and gallery hours are from Monday-Friday from 8am - 4pm. The group also announced that the Cost of War Contest is being extended until June 15th, with the winner being selected randomly from all correct entries and presented the $100 cash prize at the July First Friday reception. The quiz can be found on Binghamton Bridges website (www.binghamtonbridge.org), an independent community media group that is co-sponsoring this awareness and education campaign. Some interesting facts: Binghamton taxpayers have contributed $138.6 million to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars since 2001. New York State taxpayers have already contributed $67 BILLION to 7 years of war in Iraq. According to National Priorities Project, the cost of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars topped $1 TRILLION this week.
