New York City and Washington D.C., may be many miles away, but Tennessee, like many other states, is still responding to the national tragedy.
“Sept. 11 will always be one of the darkest days in our nation’s history,” Gov. Don Sundquist said in a press release. “The attack on our World Trade Centers, our Pentagon, and our people has left America shocked, grief stricken and angry.”
Tennessee, the governor claims, will stand behind President Bush, and will do its part to keep our country and Americans safe.
The governor’s office in Nashville has received thousands of calls from across the state with people asking, “What can I do?”and “How can I help?”
Many Tennessee citizens have already given blood. Donating more than once is highly encouraged. The Red Cross has been on the scene since Sept. 11 providing disaster support in the form of food, shelter and mental health counseling to all individuals affected. You can support these efforts financially by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go to their web site at www.redcross.org.
Sundquist has also activated the Governor’s Domestic Terrorism Plan to ensure the state’s safety. All involved state agencies are on heightened alert. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are well prepared and highly skilled.
“They will help me coordinate law enforcement and relief agencies,” he said.
On the day of the terrorist attacks, Sundquist warned anyone who sought to benefit from the tragedy; any threats made upon Tennessee citizens, employees, business or state and federal buildings would be swiftly and unequivocally punished. On Sept. 18 the TBI, State Arson and Bomb Unit of the Department of Commerce and Insurance, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Metropolitan Police Depart-ment’s Criminal Intelligence Unit arrested one such individual who dared to make such threats.
“Our agencies are ready to keep the citizens of Tennessee safe,” Sundquist said. “I thank them for their swift and certain work.”
Sundquist also addressed concerns that the nation’s gas supplies are in jeopardy.
“I want to assure all Tennessee citizens and businesses, and especially rural gas stations, that Tennessee has an ample supply of gas,” he said. “There is no shortage. There is no reason for station owners to raise prices, and there is no reason for anyone to panic.”
Sundquist has also worked with Tennessee Attorney General Paul Summers and the Division of Consumer Affairs to aggressively pursue price-gougers under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.
“Fraudulently raising gas prices to take advantage of public concern regarding possible shortages will not be tolerated,” the governor said. “Anyone who falsely claims only premium gasoline is available in order to profit when they actually have unleaded regular gasoline in their tanks is also engaging in unfair or deceptive acts subject to the penalties of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.”
Anyone wishing to file a complaint of price-gouging may contact the Tennessee Commerce and Insurance’s Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-342-8385. Even in the face of adversity, Sundquist said, America has an amazing ability to show how proud it is of its democracy, its freedom, and its people.
“As Tennesseans, we must do our part in making sure our people are the best skilled, educated and prepared for whatever lies ahead,” he said. “Let us all participate more energetically in our community’s opportunities to read to a child, care for the elderly, or lend a helping hand.”
Sundquist said “We must remember that terrorists measure their success by the fear they inspire in their victims. We will not give them their success. They will not have the satisfaction of shaking American confidence and spirit. We will live through this tragedy, and see that swift and certain justice is brought to the criminals responsible.

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