Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

U. Missouri Kansas City exhibit opens eyes to cost of war
By Jesus Butler
University News, U. Missouri-Kansas City
December 01, 2008

More than 200 pairs of boots and civilian shoes lined the University Walkway at the University of Missouri Kansas City on Nov. 17, representing the soldiers, marines and civilians killed in the Iraq War.

The boots and shoes were part of "Eyes Wide Open," an exhibit designed to increase awareness of the human and economic costs of the ongoing war in Iraq.

The event, cosponsored by UMKC Amnesty International, Think. Work. Inspire. Grow. (T.W.I.G.) and The American Friends Service Committee included one pair of boots for every soldier and marine from Kansas and Missouri who has been killed in the war.

The boots represented the 46 Kansas and 81 Missouri military lives lost as of Sept. 18. An additional 100 pairs of shoes were on display to represent Iraqi civilians who lost their lives in the midst of the conflict (estimates for that figure range from 665,000 to more than 1.2 million).

Signs were also posted telling of the economic cost of the war, and how the billions of Missouri and Kansas tax dollars used to fund the war could have been used to meet domestic needs.

Student activists said the exhibit is to remind students of the Iraq War, its effect on America and to inspire people to speak out against war.

"It's really about showing respect, but at the same time making a point that this doesn't have to be this way," said Sean McClain, political science major and UMKC Amnesty International member.

Jessica Farmer, vice president of UMKC Amnesty International and Campus Peace Intern with KC American Friends Service Committee, said she believes the exhibit is especially relevant now that a new president will soon be deciding new military policies.

She emphasized the importance of students realizing how much these military policies affect everyone, including UMKC students.

"I hope students will really think about death," she said. "Really think about the fact that people's lives are being lost. People we know in Missouri and Kansas are being killed. It's not someone else's issue - it's our issue."

jbutler@unews.com

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