America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our people.

All I can tell you is that I know the enemy, allies, and troops hear what I say.

Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?

Today we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage, compassion and character.

We will allow private and religious groups to compete to provide services in every federal, state and local social program.

This new enemy seeks to destroy our freedom and impose its views. We value life; the terrorists ruthlessly destroy it. We value education; the terrorists do not believe women should be educated or should have health care, or should leave their homes. We value the right to speak our minds; for the terrorists, free expression can be grounds for execution. We respect people of all faiths and welcome the free practice of religion; our enemy wants to dictate how to think and how to worship even to their fellow Muslims.

Great tragedy has come to us, and we are meeting it with the best that is in our country, with courage and concern for others because this is America. This is who we are.