dry this spirit and you have planted the seeds of desperatism around your own doors. " of all dates, abraham lincoln gave this speech on 9/11, 1858. a reminder of the timeless truth and significance of these words. and i consider it a duty to work for the accomplishment of these values and principles in the world of today and tomorrow. therefore, i was pleased to take on the responsibilities as leader of the world's strongest military alliance, an alliance that is not just military, but built on shared political valu values. of course taking the job was the easy part, making it all happen is slightly more complicated. meeting the security challenges we face today will take all 28 members of this alliance standing together and pulling together in the same direction. and it's my job to help make sure that we do. as nato secretary general i have to straddle the atlantic with one foot in europe and one in north america. when europe and north america come together i am more comfortable. when they drift apart, i'm the first to feel the pain. and i must say upfront that i am a little concer