Christopher Shays: “Yesterday's events forced us to confront as never before the barbarism and cowardice of terrorism. We grieve for the…”

“Yesterday's events forced us to confront as never before the barbarism and cowardice of terrorism. We grieve for the victims, our fellow Americans, and we pray for their peace. May we seek our peace with this painful horror by offering solace and comfort to their families, friends, colleagues, and all those affected by this tragedy. Acts of war have been committed against innocent men, women, and children going about the daily business and routines that are American life. Lives have been lost. Life in America will never be the same. Yet, while we react and respond to the attack, we must not succumb to the terror. It is the weapon of an uncivilized, spiritually bankrupt enemy who dares not confront us openly. In the face of utter irrationality, rational people feel defenseless, but we are not defenseless. The very freedom that made us vulnerable yesterday remains our impenetrable bulwark against the massacre of innocents that is terrorism. It is our freedom they target, our freedom they envy. We are not a Nation defined by tall buildings, a strong dollar, or a powerful military; we are a Nation of free people who will not surrender. After consoling the survivors and healing the wounded, our task as a free people is to support the many men and women trying to prosecute the war against terrorism.”