September 11, 2016

Today is the 15th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Instead of fearmongering, President Obama honored the victims, first responders, and "American resilience."

“We stand with the survivors who still bear the scars of that day,” he continued. “We thank the first responders who risked everything to save others. And we salute a generation of Americans -- our men and women in uniform, diplomats and our intelligence, homeland security and law enforcement professionals -- who serve, and have given their lives, to help keep us safe.”

The president also celebrated the “resilience” of Americans 15 years later, saying that the “core values that define us as Americans” has not changed since the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Terrorists will never be able to defeat the United States,” Mr. Obama said. “Their only hope is to terrorize us into changing who we are or our way of life. That’s why we Americans will never give in to fear. And it’s why this weekend we remember the true spirit of 9/11.”

In the face of new terror threats like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, however, the president urged Americans against reacting “in ways that erode the fabric of our society.”

“We cannot give in to those who would divide us,” he said. “Because it’s our diversity, our welcoming of all talent, our treating of everybody fairly -- no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, or faith -- that’s part of what makes our country great. It’s what makes us resilient. And if we stay true to those values, we’ll uphold the legacy of those we’ve lost and keep our nation strong and free.”

That is the challenge in this election year, isn't it?

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