Sunday Roundup

A dark cloud hung over this Thanksgiving week. The protracted horrors of Mumbai dominated the headlines. Getting less attention was the growing pain here at home, as food banks and charitable organizations across the country reported having to turn away thousands in need of a meal. A ray of hope amidst the gloom could be found watching CNN's Heroes, honoring everyday people accomplishing extraordinary things in their communities and beyond (watch it again tonight at 8 pm ET). How great to salute them in the same way we do Oscar winners (and reward them with much-needed cash). We'll need millions of heroes like those spotlighted on the show to deal with the lean years ahead. There isn't a stimulus package big enough to address the crisis without Americans making service an essential part of our lives.