Nobles and Knaves, the contest

It’s time for the annual Nobles and Knaves Contest, where you the reader can vote on who deserves the Editorial Board’s highest and lowest acclaim. To vote, e-mail noble@washingtontimes.com, with “Nobles Contest” in the subject line, or fax 202-715-0037. Entrees must be received by Dec. 30. The winners will be announced on Jan. 1. As usual, all entries are subject to review by the benevolent Editorial Board. We remind readers that votes sent en masse with the intention of unfairly weighting contestants will be thrown out.

For Noble of the Year, select three: The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division, for a year of distinguished service in Iraq.

The Mars rover, Spirit, and its creators, for a remarkable rollout onto the red planet.

Seema Bhat, for blowing the whistle on the District’s lead problem in the water.

Secretary of State Colin Powell, for a public display of righteous indignation about a slur uttered at a committee hearing.

Mel Gibson, for refusing to dishonor his biological father, and for making a movie honoring his Father.

Luz Cuevas, for finding her daughter alive after investigators said she had died in a fire.

The Hubble Space Telescope, for seeing deeper into space and time than any instrument devised by man.

Brian Lamb, the founder of C-SPAN, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Alistair Cook, the avuncular host of “Masterpiece Theater” and commentator for the BBC, who died in April.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, for confronting a hostage crisis with courage.

Pat Tillman, the 2002 Noble of the Year, who died in Paril while serving in Afghanistan.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, for standing firm in a hostage crisis.

The Iraqi citizens of Thul Fiqar al Battar, who rose up against renegade cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

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