Robert Torricelli: “only hours ago, in a market in Jerusalem, the plague of terrorism once again struck the people of the Middle East.…”

“only hours ago, in a market in Jerusalem, the plague of terrorism once again struck the people of the Middle East. Simple people shopping for their goods and wares were struck down by a terrorist bomb. People who do not have the courage to stand on the battlefield or the wisdom to sit across a conference table with diplomats have, once again, sought to impose their own will on the people of Israel. I rise on the floor of the Senate to express all of our sympathies for the families of the victims, the people of Israel, and to Prime Minister Netanyahu. I know in all of us, there is not only a prayerful sorrow, but also a great anger. The sacrifices and the works and the hopes of so many might be dashed by these few who would impose their will. The best message may not simply be our prayers or our condolences. Perhaps, Mr. President, as Americans, we are best to respond to this tragedy as Americans have always responded to those who act in violence and with such irresponsible actions. Our best message may be our uncompromising determination to pursue peace. It is, after all, the interruption of the peace process that terrorists desire the most. If they had a coherent argument that had intellectual weight, they would have sought an entry into the peace process to make their arguments to diplomats.”