City ready for crowds, protesters

Saturday, when the inaugural ceremonies peak, both protesters and celebrators will take to the streets of Washington, D.C.\nThursday marked the opening of the weekend-long ceremonies with the aerial entrance of six paratroopers and performances by Ricky Martin, Brooks and Dunn and Wayne Newton, among others. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali attended the ceremonies.\nAs George W. Bush takes the Oath of Office, thousands will flood the nations capital to witness the events.\nMost of the people here to see the inauguration are tourists. I can't describe the general mood here in D.C. Many people are worried about the controversial Ashcroft nomination, said senior Rebecca Bartlett, who is spending the semester studying in Washington, D.C.\nThe divisive nomination of John Ashcroft for attorney general has created an influx of people attending the proceedings, making the city difficult to navigate, Bartlett said. \nWe are planning on going into the city during the inauguration in an attempt to get as close as possible. Some of us are planning to leave as early as six in the morning, said junior Patrick Gavin, an IU student spending the semester in Washington.\nAttention has surrounded Ashcroft and his political agenda all week, particularly in regards to his ability to uphold laws he opposes. Anticipation of protests has resulted in the addition of special seating for the parade. \nThis inauguration will be different from others because they have actually reserved areas for the protesters along the parade route. They are going to have security checkpoints all over the city,said senior Renee Chafitz.\nCollege Republicans Events Director Casey Cox, a freshman, said the group is not planning to do anything to recognize the first Republican president in eight years. \nA lot of people from the organization are going to the inauguration in Washington. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them,Cox said.\nSenior Cassidy Cloyd, president of the College Democrats, said her organization has no formal plans.\nLeroy Rieselbach, professor emeritus of political science said,I'll be watching it on television. We're still trying to see what will win out "conservatism or compassion."\nThe ceremonies will officially begin Sunday, when then-President Bush will open the door to the White House and the Bush era.\nCBS will begin coverage of Saturday's ceremonies at 9 a.m. and conclude coverage at 1:30 p.m. NBC will air coverage from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.\nThe Associated Press contributed to this story