One of the goals of the terrorist attacks of September 11th was to
destabilize our Nation. Without a doubt we have suffered a previously
unthinkable tragedy. So many lives lost, so many children without a parent,
spouses without their mate and families without one they hold dear. A sadness
pervades us all, unlike any this generation has known.
In spite of all of this we are not destabilized.
Experts believe that the terrorists were targeting the ultimate symbols of
our democracy: the White House and the Capitol building. The idea seemed to be
to reduce us by destroying the symbols of our economic and political power. But
in fact, a great nation is not reduced by the destruction of its symbols,
because power and greatness reside elsewhere.
Our economic power does not reside in a couple of buildings in New York. It
flows from the ingenuity and hard work of Americans and the opportunities
provided to each through our economic system, despite its shortcomings.
Too many peoples in the world must stake their stability and security on just
a few leaders. Consider a country like Pakistan, a nuclear power with 140
million citizens. Policy makers fret about the consequences of one person,
General Musharraf, being toppled from leadership. The effect could be
catastrophic for Pakistan, the region, and possibly the world.
Our political strength does not rest solely on President Bush or on our other
elected leaders in Washington DC. The political strength of our democracy
springs from every corner of this Nation. From every citizen who holds freedom
dear, from every voter who casts their ballot, from every elected leader - dog
catcher to President, and from every group of citizens working to make it
better.
A stable and strong America rests here, with you and me. What we do as
members of the Municipal League is not insignificant. Indeed, it is
fundamentally important because our strength as Americans is that we govern
ourselves.
