Washington, D.C. - Congressman Rick Larsen expressed his thoughts regarding the Septermber 11 attacks in a letter to constituents.  The text of the letter is as follows:

"After a painful and shocking day where we saw the unthinkable become a reality, I returned to my house to be with my wife, Tiia, and two children.

"My five-year-old son, Robert, had only one question. He asked it in a way that only a five-year-old could: "Why did those mean people fly a plane through that building?"

"How can you explain to a child the hate that drives individuals to act with utter disregard for human life? What answer can we find to the question, "Why?"

"We may not have that answer soon; however, there are things we do know. These things are as solid and sure as the Cascade Mountains that greet us each morning, and as deep as the Puget Sound waters: the promise and potential that the freedoms we enjoy will never be given up to any terror. The gift of democracy will continue to be exercised no matter what the cost. The values of openness and tolerance, without which we would descend to the level of our new enemies, will continue to stand. Finally, the American spirit which drives us to reach out to help those in need - a spirit we need now more than ever - will continue to triumph.

"In the wake of this terrible act of terrorism, I am calling upon all of us to take these actions:

1. Please pray for the victims and their families.

2. Support President Bush and the Congress in the actions we must take to respond to this tragedy. This is no time for partisan politics.

3. Use my office as a resource to answer questions.

4. Donate blood if you can.

5. Do not let terrorism scare you. The United States will track down those responsible and bring them to justice.

"We have the strongest democracy in the history of the world and we will get through this shocking attack on our country.

"Tiia's and my prayers go out to the families of the victims.

"To find out where you can donate blood, please call the American Red Cross at (800) GIVE-LIFE."