EDITORIAL POMP, PAGEANTRY AND PROTEST BUSH, CRITICS, MUST WORK TO UNIFY COUNTRY.

FORmost Americans, the animosity that characterized Campaign 2004 mercifully came to an end once it became clear that President George W. Bush had won re-election. The lawn signs went down and the bumper-stickers disappeared. Diehards notwithstanding, most Americans were content to return to a less politicized existence.

But the intractable divisions are back with Bush's inauguration today. Republicans in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country are celebrating their triumph, while Democrats mourn their defeat.

Fair enough. Inaugurations are historically festive occasions, and rightfully so - they mark America's impressive and long-standing tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. Likewise, dissent is a fair and legitimate part of the democratic process.

But come Friday, it's time to lay the gloating, the sour grapes and everything in between to rest. Once the balls and rallies are over, the nation's leaders must unify the country for the common good.

Take the battle over Social Security reform. So far, Democrats have been content merely to snipe at Bush's proposal, rather than offering constructive alternatives. That won't do.

The same goes for Republicans who are determined to sink Bush's efforts at immigration reform while clinging to a plainly busted status quo. The nation needs debate, but it cannot afford obstruction.

And Bush himself must find ways to reach across the aisle, especially on the most pressing issue of our day, the War on Terror. He needs to show critics that he takes their concerns seriously by acknowledging mistakes and seeking their cooperation.

Inaugurations are about pomp, pageantry and, this year anyway, protest. But an inauguration is merely a day - a presidential administration is four years that can influence decades.

In the interest of our future, once this day has passed, its divisions must be left behind.