Winter freeze no barrier for thousands at inaugural

Tens of thousands of well-wishers from around the country braved Washington’s winter chill to bask in pomp and circumstance as they helped celebrate President Bush’s second inauguration — the country’s 55th ceremony to install a commander in chief.

“It was amazing,” said Stephanie Steward, 21, a University of Pennsylvania senior who worked on the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign. “Part of it was the personal investment. Standing there knowing I helped him get there, while in front of the Capitol, was amazing.”

Calvin Darnell, 48, of Richmond, brought his girlfriend and came because he is dying.

“I’ve been fighting cancer for six months, and I wanted to see one before I went,” he said. “I like his moral values, and I like the way he leads the country.”

More than 800,000 people were expected to attend the president’s swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol and parade up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House amid a formidable security force. But not all of those along the parade route were there to cheer on Mr. Bush and his second administration.

Thousands of protesters supporting mostly anti-war causes lined the street and filled an area designated for dissenters, greeting the president with catcalls and signs. Small uprisings were quickly quelled by an unprecedented assembly of nearly 7,000 law-enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies. Police said at least 10 persons — mostly protesters — were arrested during the inaugural ceremonies.

“I don’t like [Mr. Bush], and I don’t like how he said he had a mandate,” said Marion Marshall, 36, a bus driver from Leesburg, Va., who participated with hundreds of others in the Turn Your Back on Bush protest. “It’s my way of saying, ‘I’m not part of your mandate.’”

It was the first inauguration since the September 11 terrorist attacks, and Washington 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. Stern-faced soldiers in camouflage stood outside a tent at a checkpoint where all spectators were patted down. A German shepherd sniffed at cameras and bags.

Many of those who attended the day’s events became upset with the long lines caused by the unprecedented security measures. Event organizers also overbooked tickets for the green-ticket seating area near the Capitol, so many of the green-ticket holders weren’t able to get in to see the inauguration ceremony.

“It’s a disaster. The crowd control is horrendous,” said Tom, 53, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who did not want to give his last name. He said he and his wife missed the president’s speech because they waited in line for two hours.

“It should be more of a celebration of America and freedom, not where everything is focused on security,” he said.

Ticket holders Cindy and Steve Allred of Charleston, W.Va., also missed Mr. Bush’s inaugural speech. “It’s a little disappointing,” Mrs. Allred said.

Rodger and Susan England of Florida said the disruptions kept them from hearing Mr. Bush’s speech, but they said they kept their spirits up and enjoyed the parade.

“There’s not anything we don’t like about George,” said Mrs. England, 49.

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