You picked the wrong people and the wrong nation

This morning, the civilized world watched with concern as the people of London saw the face of violence and brutality. We offer our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones and to those who were wounded.

Too often the global struggle against violent extremists is discussed in a context that can distract from the harsh reality that its victims are innocent mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and neighbors we see and work with every day. Images from London have shown faces filled with tears and shock. Such faces are sadly familiar to us here in America. However, reports from London are already telling of calm passengers, compassionate strangers, and courageous rescuers. And that too is familiar -- the grace and humanity that contrasts vividly with the hatred and violence of terrorists.

The London attacks have a special resonance for the American people -- for America has no stronger or closer ally in the world than Great Britain. We are bound together by a common heritage, a common language, and a deeply shared commitment to freedom. As President Bush indicated earlier this morning, the United States will stand with the British people with unflinching resolve.

Though it is not yet known with certainty precisely who is responsible, we do know terrorists’ intentions. They strike without warning and without regard for human life in the hope that they can frighten and intimidate free people -- to change our way of life. And they won't stop until their side or our side has prevailed.

But if these terrorists thought they could intimidate the people of a great nation, they picked the wrong people and the wrong nation. For generations, tyrants, fascists, and terrorists have sought to carry out their violent designs upon the British people only to founder upon its unrelenting shores.

Before long, I suspect that those responsible for these acts will encounter British steel. Their kind of steel has an uncommon strength. It does not bend or break. The British have learned from history that this kind of evil must be confronted. It cannot be appeased. Our two countries understand well that once a people give in to terrorists’ demands, whatever they are, their demands will grow. The British people are determined and resolute. And I know the people of the United States are proud to stand at their side."

London

Words escape me to properly sum up just what an evil and offensive mind it must take to execute the atrocities and attacks we've seen in London this morning. The sight of the carnage and blackened faces and bodies turns my stomach and revolts all my senses. My thoughts, and I'm sure those of all my fellow bloggers, rest fully with those who are injured and their families. I just hope they and all readers have mercifully escaped.

It is vital that we stand united against this evil and do not sacrifice our way of life, which induces such hatred, in our desire to destroy such repugnant forces. To that end I thought Tony Blair was very impressive in his public address and has made exactly the right call to come to London but to return to Gleneagles tonight. Likewise, having just watched David Davis, give a tremendous performance of his own in the House of Commons, I wholeheartedly echo his commitment to unity - frustrating terrorists by not allowing this evil to achieve its aim of dividing us and setting us against each other - and also to the values we hold dear and which others wish to destroy. Our resolve for freedom and the values we hold dear will win through and we will not allow them to ultimately succeed.

I am thankful I live in a country which can see such a speedy response by our Prime Minister and a debate in the Commons on developments within hours. That, the response of our emergency services and the resolve of those who have been part of chaos should give us the strength to face down the perpetrators of such cowardice.

We must and will show the world that terrorism and all their efforts will never persuade us to surrender what makes our civilisation free and so great.

Our prayers are with those who have been so brutally killed, those who have been injured and those who have suffered witnessing such an outrage and for those who know them. We also pray that those possessed by such evil to such evil plots see the true corruption of their actions which place them beyond contempt.