A Laramie citizen group is planning to protest when Former Vice President Dick Cheney visits Laramie this month.

The group Wyoming Citizens Against Torture has planned the protest to take place on Tuesday, February 17 at 2:30 p.m. The demonstration will take place on 22nd and Grand, which is just outside of the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center.

Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne Cheney, plan to speak about Lynne’s new book at 4 p.m. at the Gateway Center. Protest organizers say the demonstration is not meant to cause trouble for Lynne Cheney and her book, but is more about bringing awareness to an important issue.

“We’re certainly not trying to cause her any problems. Nobody is going to be going inside and doing any protests while she’s talking,” says Wyoming Citizens Against Torture Member Meg Quillen. “But he was one of the people that was mentioned as far as the CIA Torture Report goes, and he is definitely somebody to come take a look at while he is in town.”

Quillen says the group is focused on keeping people informed on the issues currently surrounding torture.

“Our group is more about awareness raising, and we don’t want anyone coming and trying to cause any problems. Whether you’re for or against it, it’s just a good idea to open up your mind and listen to the information that’s presented to you and then form an opinion.”

Members of the group have been speaking with people in Laramie and surrounding areas about the issue, even visiting locations in Denver to gather support for the demonstration.

A number of people are expected to participate in the protest, including some members of Veterans for Peace and Code Pink from the Denver and Fort Collins communities.

Those participating in the protest are encouraged to bring their own signs. Quillen notes there will be a sign making session and meet and greet before the demonstration, information for which will be available on the Wyoming Citizens Against Torture Facebook page.

Event organizers are holding weekly meetings to plan the event. The next Dick Cheney protest meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 3 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Peace House at 715 South Second Street. Quillen says the meeting is open to anyone who is interested in the demonstration. Information on the weekly meetings can also be found on the group's Facebook page.

Quillen encourages anyone interested to do their own research on the CIA Torture Report and Abu Ghraib.

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