The quality that defines us as Americans is the courage to respond to being hit. The courage to root out and destroy the killers. And, most importantly, the courage to hold on to our values and protect our hard-won freedoms while doing it.

Social Security is at last on the nation's front burner.

We don't defeat evil by becoming evil.

Respect and affection for animals, particularly those who share our homes, recognize no geographic borders.

As I listened, it occurred to me that interest in and affection for the animals that share the planet with us may be a more unifying force than any other.

Whatever its other limitations, the Big Apple and those who live there make room for their dogs and cats, take good care of them and abide by the rules made necessary by a huge population.

Those who actually hate animals to the point of being cruel to them are outcasts to the rest of us, no matter where in the world they live.