John Hansen: “Yesterday America suffered a cowardly attack upon freedom itself. Today, our first responsibility must be to tend to the…”

“Yesterday America suffered a cowardly attack upon freedom itself. Today, our first responsibility must be to tend to the victims, and their families, in their hour of greatest need. This barbaric act is horrible in both its enormity, and in its closeness. We have all been touched forever. Brady Howell, the husband of one of my office family members, is still among the missing. Our prayers are with Liz and all of the families who grieve today. As we have been so painfully reminded--freedom is never free. It is now our duty to remind the world that freedom is also never afraid. We must send an unmistakable message to the world that we will spare no expense or effort to track down all those responsible and ensure they never strike again. These attacks were an act of war, not a crime, and should be met with a swift and overwhelming response. The world must know there is no middle ground in this war, you either stand with us against terror, or you stand with the terrorist. Our friends will confidently stand with us--our enemies should fear us. America's reach is long, our memory is longer and our resolve is unshakeable. Our fury will be clenched in an iron fist that will rid the world of this evil in a swift and terrible blow. All Americans must stand united with our President in condemnation of these unspeakable acts. Our strength is not in our buildings and symbols but in our people and principles.”