Protesting The Vice President's Visit

Air Force Two flew into Tulsa International Airport on Friday. A dozen Oklahoma servicemen and women were there to meet Vice President Cheney as he got off the plane. And News On 6 anchor Terry Hood

Friday, April 27th 2007, 8:45 pm

By: News On 6

Air Force Two flew into Tulsa International Airport on Friday. A dozen Oklahoma servicemen and women were there to meet Vice President Cheney as he got off the plane. And News On 6 anchor Terry Hood reports two groups were waiting for him in downtown Tulsa; both had very strong, but very different, feelings about the Vice President's visit.

Dick Cheney came to rally support for Oklahoma senator Jim Inhofe and to assure Oklahomans America is on the right track in Iraq.

"It is cynical to declare that the war is lost because it gives you political advantage. Leaders should make decisions based on what's best for the country, not what best benefits your political party," said Vice President Dick Cheney.

Oklahomans outside the fundraiser werenâ€™t convinced.

"Stop illegal war! Impeach Cheney!" chanted protestors.

Dozens of people from Tulsa and Oklahoma City railed against the administration's policies in Iraq. Tim Westhusing of Jenks says he knows the sacrifice all too well. His brother, Colonel Ted Westhusing, is the highest-ranking American casualty in Iraq to date.

"He just wanted to help the people gain some of the things we've been so fortunate as Americans to have,â€ said protestor Tim Westhusing. â€œAnd I think that's part of what our government has lost track of."

While people paid $250 a plate for lunch inside, protestors out front had a simpler snack. But they say even their meal carries a message.

"My message was Cheney, Inhofe, bologna. I'm the one who added the bologna sandwich to it all. If Cheney and Inhofe and all the bologna that they bring with them and all, we're going to take it, make sandwiches out of it, and eat them, the sandwiches," protest organizer Mike Workman said.

Almost a dozen protestors were arrested when they wouldn't stay behind police barricades.

Senator Inhofe says the protestors outside cannot convince him there's not a brighter future ahead for Iraq, and he says he's still happy to share the stage with the Vice President.

Protestors also gave a chilly reception to Inhofe and Cheney's stances on global warming. All the protestors arrested were cited, fined and released.

Watch the video: Vice President Greeted By Protestors

Related Story:

4/26/2007 - Vice President Makes A Brief Visit To Oklahoma