Even if our political capitol was torched to the ground---or our financial capitol---
Even if the original copy of the Declaration and the Constituion were incinerated---
It is the PRINCIPLES that underlie our Republic that matter---and the committment of the American people to upholding them that counts. If we as a people stay true to those principles, no enemy can destroy us. If we don't, we will inevitably destroy ourselves.
I can understand to a great extent that some, especially the closer they are to the scene of one of the worst crimes committed in history, to not feel that this subject is timely. To them, I say that this is the way it is in life...those further removed from the tragedy are charged with sending help, and praying, and doing what they can to prevent the calamity from spreading.
Nothing could assure that the terrorists win, except for us to abandon our principles in the face of their evil acts.