'Put me in a bomber'

As the United States sought to come to grips with the horror that engulfed it Americans took to the internet message boards in their thousands to express their feelings.

On a message board set up in President Bush's home state of Texas: "Death. Strike quickly and completely. DEATH!"

"An eye for an eye." "Total annihilation."

Paul Peachey: "If we knew who did it and they want to put me in a bomber to take care of it, I'd be willing to go."

Gary Woodbridge, whose wife died in the Oklahoma bombing, wrote: "Folks in Oklahoma have been there, done that. I think we could offer a lot to those folks. Watching video of them trying to save people, ... a lot of it reminded me of what we saw in Oklahoma City. The only difference ... is the patches on the uniforms say New York City instead of Oklahoma City. I kind of feel like it's an attack on America instead of what McVeigh did on the government ... Emotionally it's kind of hard."

The Rev Nick Harris, whose church was shattered in Oklahoma: "I know in my heart what these people are going through. It doesn't do anything but break me in pieces. I just don't think there's any easy way for people, at least in downtown Oklahoma City, to handle this. . . It's hard not to be angry and I for one am feeling a great deal of anger over this."

Bob Reiber, 80, Army veteran: "If we knew who did it, and they want to put me in a bomber to take care of it, I'd be willing to go."

Justin Sykes, aged 21: "We're just shocked beyond belief that something could go this far." Along with his family, he was buying gas masks, emergency lights and knives at a surplus store. He said they were preparing to "go it alone".

Karen Thompson, stayed at her desk: "There was no one talking, no laughter, silence. I think it was the community's way of showing support. We cannot shy away, we have to contribute and that is why I am here."

Lossie Jordan, grandmother of a soldier: "If he's called it's God's will. I feel he will be doing his duty."

Jimmy Nurre, aged 13: "This is really devastating. I'm glad I got to come to Mass again. It really helps calm you."

The Rev Robert Starrett: "Some of the people in my congregation were saying, 'We're kind of afraid to even come out'. We're talking about the older folks."

Alan Krauss, lawyer: "This is the holy war. Things are never going to be the same in this country again."

Ellie Mayhew: "I feel helpless, I feel like grieving, I feel rage, and I feel very, very sad. I barely get through a conversation with somebody before I get choked up."

Debby Avila: "Can you imagine standing here, smoking a cigarette and watching a plane crash?"

Judge Harry Pregerson: "The court is in operation, We are going to carry on the people's business. We are not going to let terrorists halt the wheels of justice."

Steve Robtoy, construction worker: "Somebody pays for this. Someone's got to pay, they've got to pay for this."

Jarid Maldonado can't find his mother: "All I know at this stage is it's been so many hours since this happened and she would have called. Right now, I don't know what to think. I don't know what to do."

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