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Bush rallies Americans in New York
Saturday, September 15, 2001
Jonathan Riskind and Jack Torry / Dispatch, Washington Bureau

Surrounded by rescue workers chanting "U-S-A, U-S-A,” a resolute President Bush vowed yesterday to punish those responsible for leveling the tallest buildings in New York and severely damaging the Pentagon.

Grabbing a bullhorn and standing amid the twisted ruins of the World Trade Center, Bush acknowledged the cheers from the hard hat-wearing rescue workers, saying: "I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you.”

Then, pointing to the site of the once- gleaming office towers that dominated the New York skyline, Bush shouted, "And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”

As workers erupted in thunderous cheers and applause, Bush grabbed a small American flag and began waving it -- provoking more cheers and chants. The president later met with families of victims of Tuesday's attack.

The dramatic appearance at the scene of the worst terrorist action in U.S. history capped a dizzying day of emotions for the nation's 43rd president. He made clear that he is eager to unleash the full fury of the military against the organizers of the attack.

Hours earlier, at an emotional prayer service in Washington's imposing National Cathedral, a more solemn Bush stood before four ex-presidents -- including his father, George H.W. Bush -- and promised to "rid the world of evil.”

"War has been waged against us by stealth and deceit and murder,” Bush said. "This nation is peaceful but fierce when stirred to anger. This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others. It will end in a way, and at an hour, of our choosing.”

The president's appearance at the cathedral and brief trip to New York were conducted amid heavy security.

Late last night, after returning from New York, Bush headed for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Md.

As Bush spoke earlier, the Senate unanimously approved a resolution authorizing him to use military force against the organizers of the attacks and the nations that have supported them. After nearly five hours of debate, the House late last night approved the measure 420-1, with Rep. Barbara Lee, D- Calif., opposing.

In addition, the Senate and House approved an emergency spending bill providing $40 billion for reconstruction efforts in New York and the Pentagon, as well as to finance military efforts against the terrorists.

Bush also declared a national state of emergency and authorized the armed forces to activate up to 50,000 reservists. He said the moves are necessary partly because of the "continuing and immediate threat of further attacks on the United States.”

Attorney General John Ashcroft and the Justice Department disclosed the names of the 19 terrorists who hijacked four U.S. airliners Tuesday. The terrorists steered two planes into the World Trade Center and a third into the Pentagon. A fourth crashed in Pennsylvania, apparently after a struggle between the hijackers and the passengers and crew.

Map of Attack Routes.

Timeline of Events from Stratfor.com

Starting his public schedule before noon, Bush traveled the short distance from the White House to the cathedral in a driving rain. His motorcade passed foreign embassies with flags flying at half-staff and passersby clutching small American flags.

"Our unity is a kinship of grief and a steadfast resolve to prevail against our enemies,” Bush said in the cathedral, addressing a crowd that included his father and former Presidents Clinton, Carter and Ford. "And this unity against terror is now extending across the world.”

Bush and first lady Laura Bush sat beside the president's parents. Clinton; Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.; and their daughter, Chelsea, occupied front-row seats. They and the rest of the packed cathedral watched soberly as the service began with the echoing heels of a color guard striding across the marble floor.

"We're facing a new kind of enemy,” said the Rev. Billy Graham, spiritual adviser to American presidents for a half-century. "We're involved in a new kind of warfare, and we need the help of the spirit of God. The Bible's words are our hope: 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble; therefore, we will not fear, though the Earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.'”

A bipartisan crush of lawmakers attended. Rep. David Hobson, R- Springfield, said the "country needed to see all the leaders of the country together in a spiritual moment.”

Many had rushed from Capitol Hill, where the House and Senate exhibited rare unanimity in pushing through the emergency spending bill.

Sen. George V. Voinovich was one of four senators not to cast a vote, although he supported the bill. The Ohio Republican was at the Pentagon inspecting damage when the vote was called.

The Senate did not debate the military-force resolution before passing it 98-0. The resolution declares that Bush "is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force” against the terrorists and countries that "planned, authorized, committed or aided” the attacks.

The White House and members of Congress negotiated the final wording of the resolution after some lawmakers expressed fears that the original language provided Bush with far broader authority than necessary.

"There was a general consensus that Congress needed to move very quickly and give the president support,” said Sen. Mike DeWine, R- Ohio.

In addition, the White House and lawmakers were hampered by the fact that U.S. officials have not determined which terrorist group launched the attacks, although U.S. officials have identified terrorist leader Osama bin Laden as the key suspect.
(Source, the Columbus Dispatch)

In case you missed it in the above, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, D- Calif., is the only Representative to oppose the use of military force against open terrorism, which was voted into effect 420-1.

Disgusting.

I suppose there’ll be a “letter in the Times” from her condemning the attack as being a rude and rather tasteless act?

Dan