Reactions to Bush's inauguration mixed

By MAURICE O. NDOLE

President Bush’s inauguration to a second term in office has been received with a mixture of optimism and skepticism around Fresno State.

Associated Students president Molly Fagundes said she hoped things would be better for the students and the U.S. in the next four years.

“I’m looking forward to see George Bush overcome the challenges overseas, at home and in classrooms; like [to have] more financial opportunities for students,” Fagundes said.

Business major Albert Naugle said he hoped the president would improve education and complete the tasks he started on his first term.

“I hope he will get things settled in the Middle East. I have friends there and I hope they will come back,” Naugle said.

Naugle also said he hoped the president would make the cost of education more affordable and fund more programs.

Mike Swenson, a sophomore majoring in construction management, said he hoped the president would concentrate his efforts in the U.S. rather than other countries.

“I kind of like Bush, but I don’t think I agree with the Iraq thing,” Swenson said. “I think he should give as much power as possible to Iraqis without forcing them to do anything.”

Swenson, who said he is a Republican, said he thought the economy would be stronger in Bush’s second term.

Human resource management major Andy Ramirez said he is not expecting much to change in Bush’s second term in office.

“We are barely making ends meet; books are expensive, gas is expensive and school is expensive,” Ramirez said. “I don’t think it’s going to change, I think school fees will keep going higher. All we can do is look forward and think positive.”

The nation’s 55th inauguration celebration was marked with prayer, fancy balls and protests.

The festivities were financed by $ 40 million in private donations and tens of millions in related costs according to the Associated Press.

President Bush was sworn in Thursday at four minutes before noon Eastern Standard Time in a ceremony presided over by Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist.