I have seen the worst in people and the best in people - all in the course of last week's events.

From the strength of the President's words to the relentless efforts of the brave rescue workers in New York and Washington - we witnessed some of America's finest moments. Since the synchronized attacks Tuesday on two prominent symbols of our nation's wealth and strength, the horror is changing to hope.

In Washington, the bipartisan spirit of Congress built overwhelming support for the $40 billion spending bill that will aid the search and rescue efforts. We also moved quickly to pass legislation that allows the use of force by the President as he makes critical decisions to bring these terrorists to justice.

As the family known as America bows its head to mourn the loss of friends and loved ones and prepares for an international campaign against terrorism, Members of Congress and the Executive Branch will wrestle with the difficult balance between freedom and increased security.

Many of the good people in Tennessee's Third District have written, called and emailed me with understandable fervor and emotion. Their recommendations have run the gamut from "do not react to violence with violence" to "destroy every country that is involved." I have heard the plea for new domestic security measures in airports, and the same number of folks asking not to "over-react by taking away our freedoms." Some have blamed this tragedy on loose immigration laws, while others caution against profiling or closing down our borders to hard working, law abiding immigrants.

As always, I welcome all of these viewpoints. I appreciate those who care enough to call or write because they are the ones who make our system work. One of my philosophies is "good government requires active citizens." And East Tennessee is blessed to have many passionate and engaged citizens.

These are difficult days, and I am prepared to participate actively in formulating some of the responses -- domestically and internationally. The fundamental principle I will advocate is BALANCE. The use of appropriate force will be necessary, but it must be balanced against innocent life and accurate intelligence. The implementation of new security measures is essential but it must be balanced against the basic freedoms and civil liberties we cherish.

In this time of uncertainty and upheaval, I ask for your patience and tolerance as we evaluate all that can be done protect ourselves AND to defend our freedoms.