Individuals, groups protest vice president’s visit to UT

Vice President Dick Cheney’s visit to UT was greeted with both cheers and jeers.

Protesters gathered in Humanities Plaza, where they conducted a mock trial for Cheney, charging him with war crimes and treason, then marched down to Thompson-Boling Arena.

The march was planned by the Progressive Student Alliance, although other groups participated. Andrew Ciscel, master of art education student, said he was there on behalf of VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood.

“The group(s) are gathered for many different issues, but all stand in opposition to Cheney,” Ciscel said.

Ciscel said he believes “Cheney sold us out and Halliburton is robbing taxpayers.”

Marcher Virginia Williams, a UT employee out on her lunch break, came to “get people to think about the issue of torture.”

“The whole choosing sides thing clouds over arguments,” she said.

Bobby Evans, sophomore in environmental science, said he marched because he believes “Dick Cheney has an evil agenda.”

“I disagree with the war and think it was for the wrong reasons. (I also disagree with) his environmental policies and torture,” he added.

Vice President Cheney was interrupted several times during his speech by a handful of protesters. They chanted, “War! What is it good for?” and unfurled a large banner that read “Peace Now.” Cheney looked unflustered, although the protesters were very noisy, and continued with his speech as the demonstrators were led out by security. In one case, a student was mistaken by a protester for a Secret Service agent.

Students volunteering at the event said they were embarrassed and even disgusted.

“You can have different views on the vice president, but he wasn’t here to talk about politics. He was here to honor one of UT’s most distinguished alums,” Jake Jasper, senior in BCMB and a volunteer with the SAA, said of the disruptions.

Jasper added he thought the protesters “completely disrespected (Former U.S. Sen. Howard) Baker.”