Rick Larsen: “after a painful and shocking day where we saw the unthinkable become a reality, I returned to my house to embrace my…”

“after a painful and shocking day where we saw the unthinkable become a reality, I returned to my house to embrace my wife, Tiia, and two children. My five-year-old son, Robert, had only one question. He asked it in a way that only a five-year-old could: ``Why did those mean people fly a plane through that building?'' How can you explain to a child the hate that drives individuals to act with utter disregard for human life? What answer can we find to the question, ``Why?'' We may not have that answer soon; however, there are things we do know. These things are as solid and sure as the Cascade Mountains that greet us each morning, and as deep as the Puget Sound waters: the promise and potential that the freedoms we enjoy will never be given up to any terror. The gift of democracy will continue to be exercised no matter what the cost. The values of openness and tolerance, without which we would descend to the level of our new enemies, will continue to stand. Finally, the American spirit which drives us to reach out to help those in need--a spirit we need now more than ever--will continue to triumph. In the wake of this terrible act of terrorism, I am calling upon all of us to take these actions: (1) Please pray for the victims and their families; (2) support President Bush and the Congress in the actions we must take to respond to this tragedy.”