DICK CHENEY CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DRAWING STIFF PROTESTS: Man Who Committed More International Crimes Than Any Other V.P. Before Him To Be Honored Inappropriately.

DICK CHENEY CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DRAWING STIFF PROTESTS: Man Who Committed More International Crimes Than Any Other V.P. Before Him To Be Honored Inappropriately.

As reported by Susan Walsh on the Associated Press’ website, a decision by the University of Wyoming to name a new International Studies Center after George BushGeorge Bush’s vice president has drawing considerable criticism. This is mainly coming from people who say Cheney's support for the Iraq war and the harsh interrogation techniques he authorized should disqualify him from the distinction.

Funded in large part with $3.2 million that Dick CheneyDick Cheney and his wife donated in several installments to the University of Wyoming, Cheyenne, while he was vice president, the Cheney International Center sparked outrage and public protesters on announcement of the ceremonies. The university's decision to name the center after Cheney, a former Wyoming congressman, prompted a petition that collected more than 150 signatures. The petition said polices of the Bush administration were "very controversial" and the name will affect how people perceive the center.

Probably to no one’s surprise, protesters plan to be there, too.

Suzanne Pelican, who began circulating the petition a year ago, said Cheney's support for torture --harsh interrogations, apologists for the perpetually sneering veep say — is one reason to oppose naming the center after him.

As well, Ms. Pelican criticized the Bush administration's "go it alone" strategy when several U.S. allies opposed the invasion of Iraq and didn't participate in the war.

Pelican said Tuesday, "We feel that by naming it the Cheney International Center, that the programs and UW can't avoid being identified with that ideology and that approach to global politics that the Bush-Cheney administration championed"

Pelican is an extension educator in the university's College of Agriculture who plans to peacefully protest during the dedication.

Another Laramie resident opposed to the name is Nancy Sindelar, with the group Veterans For Peace.

"Mr. Cheney is not the best example of demonstrating how nations should get along with each other," said Sindelar, who's group opposes the war in Iraq, and its Wyoming chapter has held weekly protests in Laramie since before the war began, says, "Putting his name on an international center is counterintuitive."

On Thursday, Sindelar plans to be part of the march on Prexy's Pasture, the campus quadrangle where the dedication ceremony will be held, adding that, while demonstrators don't plan to disrupt the ceremony, they will be visible.

In the Casper Star-Tribune’s recent opinion piece, University President Tom Buchanan defended the naming decision, writing, "Tolerance and diversity cut many ways," and the new center will benefit students; Buchanan further wrote, "Whether you are Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, Catholic or Protestant, gay or straight, white or black, you are welcome at the University of Wyoming. Should we subject potential donors and the purpose of their gift to public referendum? I think not"

Students also will be able to hang out there, university spokeswoman Jessica Lowell said, "This is a place where international students can come and watch soccer if they want to -- there's a lounge for them".

The international center shares a building with the university's student health center and will have offices for university staff members who work with international students.

A website, the Daily Kos (dailykos.com) has suggested re-naming the building, the Dick Cheney Extraordinary Renditions Center; repeated phone messages left with Cheney's assistant, Lucy Tutwiler, asking for reaction to the suggestion was not immediately returned.

A state program matched the Cheneys' $3.2 million gift with an equal amount in state funding; the university spent a further $3 million to renovate and expand an existing building for the center.

A total of $3.4 million has been allocated for scholarships for students to study overseas – although it has not been stated just what nations would accept students coming from a building cursed with such a name.

Thursday's dedication of the new Cheney International Center on the Laramie campus is expected to be attended by the ex-veep and wife Lynne, in all probability, checking up on his investment.