Capitol clears soon after initial attacks(Lawmakers spontaneously began singing "God Bless America"

On television monitors across Capitol Hill, lawmakers and staffers were watching the horrifying scenes at the Pentagon and New York's World Trade Center unfold around 9:30 a.m. when reports began to circulate that a plane commandeered by terrorists was headed for the Capitol.

Whatever our political differences are its at times of crisis like this that brings out the best in all of us. And we show how much we love this country and we're letting our enemies know you won't defeat us you won't wear us down, you won't demoralize us, and you won't ever break us for when its crunch time we're ALL Americans. And whoever you are buster, you've made a fearsome enemy. Prepare for your day of reckoning cause you can run and you can hide but we will find out where you are and blow you off the face of the earth. Never underestimate the Yankee spirit!!!

I was listening to early coverage while driving to work in the Chicago area. At this point, they were saying that a car bomb had gone off near the State Department. Illinois' Senator Dick Durbin was being interviewed. I paused to answer my phone, but I'm pretty sure I heard him say he was near the State Department when the bomb went off. Did this not happen--and if it did why isn't it being reported?

As Mr. Hastert, Mr. Daschle and the collected Republican and Democratic leadership of Congress left the Capitol steps, lawmakers spontaneously began singing, some with tears in their eyes, "God Bless America."

While I was surprised when I saw it at first, the second and third viewing of this showed that most were reading from a cue-card off to their left. It was a nice scene, however, and gave hope to many.

What We as Americans Can Do
1) Pray
2) Give blood and whatever else the Red Cross calls for.
3) Support our military and law enforcement.
4) Put aside political differences and UNITE,
no matter what we think of what President Bush
should or shouldn't do, say or not say.
4a)Save the political discussions until AFTER the crisis is handled.

5) HUNT DOWN AND
EXECUTE THOSE RESPONSIBLE!

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL
God Bless America!

The World Trade Center towers were a magnificent example of Miss Liberty's Golden Door of opportunity, powerful symbols of the promise of our open markets, a fine tribute to America's historic mission in the world. Those who worked in and around the towers were continuing to serve the American ideals of improving our way of life and building the future. Although we have suffered today from terrorists who congratulate themselves for killing our innocent and defenseless, there is a crucial resource they missed in their twisted action: the spirit and hope of our dearly departed live on and shine more brightly as they now look down upon us. Let us move forward as they would have wanted us to, with an unshakeable resolve to realize the dream of making America free, proseperous and secure in a world at peace. Our society, harboring the world's most powerful economy, created and maintained by the world's most optimistic and inspired people, are now more determined to change the world for the better than ever. And make no mistake about it, we will continue to change things for the better as we remain the world's last best hope for the furthering of freedom and prosperity in the world.

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