"Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.
The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America -- with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.
The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business, as well.
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.
America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.'
This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
Thank you. Good night, and God bless America."
- President George W. Bush, Address to the Nation September 11, 2001Just about everyone heard about the tragic destruction of the World Trade Center as well as the destruction of one part of the Pentagon. No one must ever forget the terrible sin that was put upon innocent lives on this day. All I know is that no terrorist attack will benefit ANY political cause and will never cause the American people from continuing to fight the good fight. Israel lives on despite the "holy war" against them by the bloodthirsty Palestinian Authority. And America will live on, despite the mass of the people that despises her and her wonderful people.
Just by reading the title, you can see my opinion on whether Terrorists should be taken seriously. No, they shouldn't. Beyond a seemingly noble cause is what they really want: blood, plain and simple. Terrorists use causes as sheilds so that they can get away with mass murder. How can you explain that Arafat is still alive and well, instead of in prison or, even better, a coffin for what attrocious acts he makes his followers do? Because he had a CAUSE. It was so easy for people such as NATO and the UN to say that it was racism against Arabs and that Israel should restrain themselves. It was so easy. Now the forces of terrorism have hit the US, and now we realized what a burden the beauraucrats at the UN and NATO put upon Israel. One thing is clear: What may be called a "Holy War" or "Rebellion" is nothing more than mass murder.
As President Bush said, America IS the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. As I read and watched news story after news story, I felt a flow of sorrow within me, but also, I learned of how charitable the nearby residents in New York City were, allowing survivors to enter their homes, make phone calls to their loved ones to tell their friends and family that they are okay, as well as the unprecedented amount of participation in the blood drive and the Red Cross, and a great feeling of pride in my country came over me. Gone are the days of that ridiculous stereotype of Americans as fat, lazy, selfish cowards. Instead, Americans have been proven to be brave and charitable. Perhaps another sign of this is the firefighters and rescue workers that have lost their lives and/or are missing while trying to save any survivors. Indeed, our country grows strong and nothing, NOTHING will stop its strength from increasing.