As counterterrorist tsar, Richard Clarke has to be at least somewhat responsible for 9/11. Instead of blaming others and enriching himself, he should donate his book proceeds to the families of the 9/11 victims or the government to reimburse taxpayers for the costs of the disaster.

I welcome these hearings because of the opportunity that they provide to the American people to better understand why the tragedy of 9/11 happened and what we must do to prevent a reoccurance.

I also welcome the hearings because it is finally a forum where I can apologize to the loved ones of the victims of 9/11.

To them who are here in the room, to those who are watching on television, your government failed you, those entrusted with protecting you failed you and I failed you. We tried hard, but that doesn't matter because we failed.

And for that failure, I would ask -- once all the facts are out -- for your understanding and for your forgiveness.

-- Richard Clarke, March 24, 2004.