SCHUMER URGES NATION TO HEED PRESIDENT'S CALL FOR PATIENCE AND RESOLVE AS NATION EMBARKS ON CAMPAIGN TO ERADICATE TERRORISM

US Senator CHARLES E. SCHUMER issued the following statement in response to President Bush's Joint Address to Congress this evening:

"Tonight the President transformed the anguish and sorrow that has taken hold of America and turned it into a plan of action that seeks to bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice. His words echo the hearts and minds of almost every New Yorker and every American.

"The President set out to prepare the country for a long and hard road ahead. It may not be something we want to hear, but if we have any hopes of eradicating terrorism and achieving justice, it was something we have to hear.

"While I was walking in Greenwich Village last week, a woman came up to me and said 'Senator, let's not go to war, let's not get involved in any military action.' I turned to her and said that 6 years ago, terrorists bombed the World Trade Center and six people died. We ignored that attack and last week 6,000 died. If we ignore them again, these same evil people will get chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons and within a few years, 6 million will die.

"The President did the right thing tonight and I believe Americans should rise up to meet his challenge to be patient and resolute as we embark on this campaign to eradicate terrorism. As the President said, this war will not be won in a day or a month or even a year. It will require Americans to make some sacrifices. But after what we've been through this past week, I know that's a commitment we're ready to make."

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