Triumph Over Tragedy: The American Way

The U.S. Constitution begins with "We the people." Suffice it to say that those three words are what I'll forever remember about Tuesday, Sept. 11.

While that day was one of the most tragic in history, it was also one of the most triumphant. As I walked uptown from my Wall Street offices, the only emotion present was compassion. Despite the events, people were helping everyone around them. This country came together very, very quickly. There were no Republicans or Democrats, bulls or bears, just friends who would do anything to help the people around them. That is America: It always has been and always will be.

I've been criticized before for being too optimistic about the stock market and the economy. That optimism is rooted in my belief that we are a country, economy and people that will always recover from adversity. This tragedy is no different. It will take a great deal of time and effort, but "we the people" will prevail.

It's far too early to guess what will happen in the financial markets over coming weeks. What I will say is that making an emotional decision has rarely helped during times of investing uncertainty. I believe the individual and institutional investors alike will not give the terrorists what they want: panic.

I will do my best to outline a likely course of events as we move forward. Until then, the employees of Kirlin Securities and I would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to every American, but especially to those persons and families who have been directly impacted by Tuesday's tragedy. Our prayers are with you.

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