George W. Bush's second term officially began today as he retook the oath of office before approximately 250,000 people on a cold Thursday afternoon in Washington, DC.

Mr. Bush told the audience and the nation that his goal for his second term was to spread freedom around the world.

'There is only one force in history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment ... and that is the force of human freedom,' Bush said.

'The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.'

Chief Justice William Rehnquist did preside over the inauguration as planned. Rehnquist has been absent from the bench for many recent Supreme Court cases as he recovers from thyroid cancer. The president may have one or more appointments to make on the US Supreme Court during his second term.

Bush faces major challenges in his second term including the continuing war in Iraq, possible nuclear confrontations with North Korea and Iran, the Middle East peace process, reforming social security, tort reform and revitalizing the sluggish American economy.

Bush indicated he also wanted to relax environmental rules in order to permit more exploration for oil and natural gas. He had proposed allowing oil companies to drill in parts of a national park in Alaska during his first term but faced strong opposition from environmentalists.

Bush challenged the country to support him and the military as it continues to fight on in Iraq. 'You have seen that life is fragile and evil is real and courage triumphs,' Bush said. 'Make the choice to serve the cause... You will add not just to the wealth of our country but to its character.'