Bush beseeches Americans to have patience about Iraq

WASHINGTON - George W. Bush embarked on an ambitious second term as president Thursday, telling a world anxious about war and terrorism that the United States would not shrink from new confrontations in pursuit of "the great objective of ending tyranny."

Four minutes before noon, Bush placed his left hand on a family Bible and recited the tradition-hallowed words that every president since George Washington has uttered.

With 150,000 American troops deployed in Iraq at a cost of $1 billion a week and more than 1,360 killed, Bush also beseeched Americans for patience.

"Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill and would be dishonorable to abandon," the president declared in the first wartime inauguration in more than three decades.

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, 80 years old and frail with thyroid cancer, administered the oath in his first public appearance in three months - a gesture Bush called "incredibly moving." Rehnquist's ill health may give Bush a second-term opportunity to nominate the Supreme Court's first new justice in nearly 11 years.

It was the first inauguration since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the capital was enveloped in a security blanket of thousands of police and miles of metal barricades. Snipers lined rooftops, while bomb-sniffing dogs toiled down below.

Bush spoke before a shivering throng at the West Front of the Capitol, the monuments of American government - Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln - stretched before him on a snowy landscape. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who had battled Bush for the presidency, watched along with other lawmakers.

The nation's 55th inauguration celebration stretched from a 40-minute morning prayer service at St. John's Church to late-night revelry at nine fancy balls. The festivities were financed by $40 million in private donations and tens of millions in related costs.

Bush rode in an armored limousine, behind police on motorcycles in a V formation, to lead the inaugural parade 1.7 miles down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The license plate read: USA 1.

Hundreds of anti-war protesters, some carrying coffin-like cardboard boxes to signify the deaths of U.S. troops in Iraq, stood along the parade route. They jeered and shook their fists as Bush rode past. "Worst president ever, impeachbush.org" one sign said. Another read: "Guilty of war crimes."

Rows of law enforcement officers stood between the protesters and the parade, and Bush's motorcade sped up as it passed the demonstration area. The president and his wife, Laura, got out of the car to walk the last two blocks to the White House.

Democrats attended the inauguration but didn't hide their unhappiness.

"Personally, I don't feel much like celebrating," said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California. "So I'm going to mark the occasion by pledging to do everything in my power to fight the extremist Republican's destructive agenda."

Entering his second term with one of the lowest approval ratings of any recent two-term president, Bush was unapologetic in his speech about the course he had set over four tumultuous years.

He challenged critics of his quest to spread democracy across the Middle East, saying that now "is an odd time for doubt." And he voiced eagerness to confront oppressive rule around the globe in the name of spreading freedom.

"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: The United States will not ignore oppression or excuse your oppressors," Bush said. "When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you."

The United States' policy is to promote democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture "with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world," he said.

"This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force when necessary," the president said.

The spread of freedom and liberty are the oldest ideals of America, Bush said. "Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time."