Friday question answered

I must say that I was quite encouraged reading the thoughtful answers to Friday's question as to what was the week's most inspirational moment and what was the most disheartening. With the benefit of a just a few days' perspective, I find that the inspirational moments certainly seem "bigger" and more long-lasting, while the disheartening ones are fading away.

Many readers, including John Wohlstetter, found the progress of Rep. Gabrielle Gifffords (D-Ariz.) to be the most inspiration occurrence. John wrote, "Gabrielle Giffords opening her eyes for the first time. Testament to the human spirit and the magnificence of on-scene first responders & the Tucson trauma team." Indeed. (We got another dose of good news on Saturday when it was reported that she is breathing on her own, without a ventilator.)

But I also found this post by MsJS to be on the money: "After 23 years of iron-fisted rule Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was driven from power by protesters who'd had enough. There is much yet to be done, but this is an enormous beginning." As I wrote on Sunday, it is also a test for the U.S. government: Will we help the people of Tunisia navigate toward a secular democracy?

On the disheartening part of the question, many commenters cited last week's nasty rhetoric. True, but guess what? It's virtually over. As facts emerged and some commentators on the left were embarrassed, the noise died down. And believe me, as far as the left is concerned, it's already down the memory hole. As a bonus, Paul Krugman's reputation has taken a long-overdue hit.