We stand and pray with the thousands of individuals and families in the United States most directly afflicted by co-ordinated terrorist attacks during the morning of September 11. We support President George W. Bush's resolve in countering the perpetrators, whoever and wherever they are, and to hold them and those who harbour them fully accountable. We support his determination to seek both justice and peace in this time of crisis and to ensure the safety of Americans everywhere. By cherishing and preserving our freedoms at home and by showing an active concern for comity among nations, we demonstrate US strength. By exercising power within the rule of law and our constitutional procedures, we distinguish ourselves as a bastion of democracy and liberty worth defending. Therein lies US strength. We urge all Americans to stand united with President Bush and Congress to combat the scourge of terrorism by all legitimate means. We invite other countries and citizens to join in that effort. MICHAEL A. CEURVORST Chairman American Democrats Abroad (Hong Kong)