Nobles and knaves, the contest

Now that Time Magazine has declared “You” its Person of the Year, it’s time for the Editorial Board to hold the annual Noble and Knave of the Year Contest. Getting right to the point, it won’t be “You” — not unless you’re one of the nominees listed below. Unlike Time, however, the Editorial Board will give you, dear readers, the chance to determine who deserves our highest and lowest acclaim. To vote, send an e-mail to nobleknave@gmail.com with “Nobles Contest” in the subject line or send a fax to 202-715-0037. Entries must be received by Jan. 1. When voting, please remember that only this year’s nominees are eligible and that votes sent en masse with the intention of unfairly weighting the nominees will not be considered.

For Noble of the year, select three:

• The West Virginia coal miners, the 12 who tragically perished and the one who miraculously survived.

• BB&T; Corp., for enacting a policy of not loaning money to private developers who have acquired land by way of eminent domain.

• Dr. Ward Casscells, now Col. Casscells, who, at 53, put aside a highly successful medicine career to join the Army Reserves.

• Peter Benchley, the writer who gave us “Jaws” — and an inordinate fear of sharks — died in February.

• Maryland state Sen. John Giannetti, who saved his primary challenger, Senator-elect Jim Rosapepe, from choking during a chance encounter at an Annapolis restaurant.

• Dana Reeve, who devoted her life to taking care of her late husband, actor Christopher Reeve, and who tragically died in March.

• Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Sayre, for saving a hostage’s life at a gas station with one incredible shot.

• David Dingman-Grover, the 11-year-old brain cancer survivor whose mano-a-mano battle with his tumor, which he had named Frank, became a symbol of courage.

• U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who, upon sentencing terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui to life in prison, told him flatly, “you will die with a whimper.”

• Bill Cosby, who continues to challenge the country with his message of tough love, self-reliance and personal responsibility.

• Robert Rector, the Heritage Foundation fellow whose research helped expose the Senate’s disastrous immigration “reform” bill.

• Staff Sgt. Michael Caldwell, who, while lying wounded on a hospital bed in Baghdad, took the oath of re-enlistment.

• Oakland A’s pitcher Barry Zito’s “Strikeout for Troops” campaign, which donated $500 for every strikeout thrown during the 2006 All-Star game to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

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