John Block Reports from Washington

This is just not the time to debate farm programs. This is a time to mourn, a time for anger, a time to unite, a time for each of us to put our priorities into perspective.

It is hard to understand how anyone, no mater how unhappy, how fanatical, how bitter at the U.S. could cut the throat of an innocent woman on an airplane, as President Bush pointed out, or could murder so many women and children. What kind of evil force do we face?

But fact it we must. U.S. flags are flying everywhere. You can't buy one because they are all sold out. The bickering, divided Congress has buried the hatchet. Everyone is pulling together -- at least for now. For the moment, it is unpatriotic to criticize the President and argue. I would not expect the Congress to act on very much legislation this year other than the necessary appropriation bills to fund the government and legislation specifically written to deal with the terrorist problem.

Have you ever seen so many people turning to the clergy? Without apology turning to God for comfort? As sad as everything is, this country is more united than I can ever remember. And that's a good thing.

I would like to close this week's program by reciting a few words from the West Point Cadet Prayer.

"O God, our Father, Thou Searcher of Human hearts, help us to draw near to Thee in sincerity and truth. Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole can be won. Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all this is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when truth and rights are in jeopardy."

Until next week, I am John Block from Washington.