ONE NATION UNDER GOD: America Mourns Dead in Sorrow, Anger, Patriotism

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - America mourned the dead from the attacks on Washington and New York in memorial services across the country on Friday that blended sorrow, patriotism and, at times, a muted call to arms.

``We are here in the middle hour of our grief,'' Bush said in a service at Washington's National Cathedral. ``So many have suffered so great a loss and today we express our nation's sorrow. We come today before God to pray for the missing and the dead and for those who love them.'' ``This nation is peaceful, but fierce when stirred to anger,'' Bush said.

In a display of unity, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford attended the service in the majestic, gothic cathedral, singing the hymn ``A Mighty Fortress is our God'' and the ``Battle Hymn of the Republic.''

Former Vice President Al Gore, defeated by Bush in the 2000 election, also attended, as did Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices and diplomats. Vice President Dick Cheney, separated from Bush since Thursday for security reasons, stayed away.

Americans across the country crowded churches, mosques and synagogues to pray for the hundreds confirmed dead and thousands still missing from the hijacked plane attacks that struck both towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Tuesday.

The president declared Friday a national day of ``prayer and remembrance'' as the country sought to grapple with the shock from the attacks, to comfort the families of the dead and to cope with the pervasive sense of insecurity among the living.

``I just want them to know we are praying for their healing,'' said state employee Sandra Willis, her voice breaking, as she lined up to write a note of sympathy to the victims and their families in Tallahassee, Florida. At Boston's Old North Church, where Paul Revere set off on his midnight ride to warn colonial militia in April 1775 of British troop movements, mourners quietly wept under umbrellas to fend off a pelting, cold rain.

``Government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth,'' said Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift said, declaring, ``Our democracy is stronger now than it was three days ago before these cowardly acts of terrorism.''

In the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, Georgia, firefighter James Fuller said he was sad and angry that hundreds of fellow rescue workers in New York lost their lives when the World Trade Center's twin towers collapsed around them as they sought to save victims of the attacks. ``When one dies, we all die,'' he said at a memorial at the county courthouse, where many people waved American flags.

The Bush administration has identified Saudi-born exile Osama bin Laden, a multimillionaire who is believed to preside over a widespread international network from a base in Afghanistan, as the prime suspect in the attacks. With growing reports of harassment, vandalism and threats against Arab Americans, Bush has sought to protect Muslims in America from discrimination or mistreatment.

To underscore Bush's call for tolerance, the National Cathedral invited Muslim religious leader, Imam Muzammil Siddiqi, to read some verses from the Koran and say a prayer.

``Help us in our distress. Keep us together as people of diverse faiths, colors and races. Keep our country strong for the sake of the good and righteousness, and protect us, oh Lord from all evil,'' Siddiqi said. There were also readings by Rabbi Joshua Haberman and several Christian clerics and a sermon by evangelist Billy Graham, who said the country would rise above the attacks.

``Yes our nation has been attacked, buildings destroyed, lives lost. But now we have a choice: Whether to implode and disintegrate emotionally and spiritually as a people and a nation, or whether we choose to become stronger ... to rebuild on a solid foundation,'' he said. ``And I believe we're in the process of starting to rebuild on that foundation. that foundation is our trust in God.''

Graham, like Bush, also sounded a martial note. ``We're facing a new kind of enemy. We're involved in a new kind of warfare and we need the help of the spirit of God,'' he said.

Bush, whose eyes moistened when singer Denyce Graves sang ''America the Beautiful,'' turned steely at times in his speech, saying, ``This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others. It will end in a way and at an hour of our choosing.''

This is the weak resolution the Senate is working on. Compare it to a real declaration of war from 1941

SJ 22 ES

107th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. J. RES. 22

JOINT RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the Senate and House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001.

Whereas on September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked and destroyed four civilian aircraft, crashing two of them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and a third into the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C.;

Whereas thousands of innocent Americans were killed and injured as a result of these attacks, including the passengers and crew of the four aircraft, workers in the World Trade Center and in the Pentagon, rescue workers, and bystanders;

Whereas these attacks destroyed both towers of the World Trade Center, as well as adjacent buildings, and seriously damaged the Pentagon; and

Whereas these attacks were by far the deadliest terrorist attacks ever launched against the United States, and, by targeting symbols of American strength and success, clearly were intended to intimidate our Nation and weaken its resolve: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

condemns

(2) extends its deepest condolences to the victims of these heinous and cowardly attacks, as well as to their families, friends, and loved ones;

(3) is certain that the people of the United States will stand united as our Nation begins the process of recovering and rebuilding in the aftermath of these tragic acts;

(4) commends the heroic actions of the rescue workers, volunteers, and State and local officials who responded to these tragic events with courage, determination, and skill;

the United States is entitled to respond under international law;

(6) thanks those foreign leaders and individuals who have expressed solidarity with the United States in the aftermath of the attacks, and asks them to continue to stand with the United States in the war against international terrorism;

support increased resources

supports the determination of the President, in close consultation with Congress,

(9) declares that September 12, 2001, shall be a National Day of Unity and Mourning, and that when Congress adjourns today, it stands adjourned out of respect to the victims of the terrorist attacks.

Passed the Senate September 12, 2001.

Compare that wimpy drivel to this:

JOINT RESOLUTION

Declaring that a state of war exists between the Imperial Government of Japan and the Government and the people of the United States and making provisions to prosecute the same.

Whereas the Imperial Government of Japan has committed unprovoked acts of war against the Government and the people of the United States of America:

Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the state of war between the United States and the Imperial Government of Japan which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formally declared;

and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the United States and the resources of the Government to carry on war against the Imperial Government of Japan; and, to bring the conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress of the United States.

Approved, December 8, 1941, 4:10 p.m. E.S.T.

Apparently there is some major funny business going on in the Senate, even in this time of "bi-partisanship".

I am disgusted.

Please US House save us from this insult to all who have died.

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