On a normal day, we value heroism because it is uncommon. On Sept. 11, we valued heroism because it was everywhere.

Studies show that the more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, develop eating disorders and consider suicide, and the more likely they are to do well in school, delay having sex, eat their vegetables, learn big words and know which fork to use.

For the truly faithful, no miracle is necessary. For those who doubt, no miracle is sufficient.

Americas presidents tend to die young. Maybe it is in the nature of the men who reach such heights, or of the job once they attain it.

Death will never be pretty - its sights and smells too close and crude. And it will never come under our control: it gallops where we tiptoe, rips up our routines, burns our very breath with its heat and sting.

You must get courageous men, men of strong views and let them debate and argue with each other.

Time is valuable; people are busy.