We cannot undo the grave events that took place on September 11 or bring back the loved ones that so many families lost or quickly restore the sense of security that Americans took for granted. But with resolve and determination we can take actions to root out those who perpetrated these dastardly and heretofore unimaginable events. There should be no question in the minds of those who are responsible for these attacks, or in the minds of those who have aided and abetted them, that the United States will take all necessary and appropriate steps to respond and to prevent them from undertaking additional attacks against our country. In keeping with our very values that were under attack on September 11, we must respond rationally and judiciously, not out of anger and sadness.

We must provide the best security possible, the fullest level of security we are capable of imagining - a goal that is well within the reach of this country and well within our capacity to afford it. But we must not realize security at the expense our liberties: Our challenge is to balance this nation's security with our freedoms, our rights, and our liberties.