Nobles: Iraqi Judge Raad Juhi, for risking his life to see that justice is served.
He's the judge who audiences watched meticulously question Saddam Hussein last week during the former dictator's court hearing, facing down the man he once worked for as a Ba'athist jurist. Though recognized by many Iraqis, Judge Juhi's identity was withheld from the Western media until a British newspaper published his name last week amid much controversy. The judge still refuses to have his face publicized, which is why viewers saw only his profile during the Saddam arraignment.
Married with three sons, Judge Juhi has a right to be concerned. As one of the few jurists selected to investigate and try Saddam, the 33-year-old judge has survived three assassination attempts since the dictator's capture and now travels with armed guards. Speaking exclusively to the Wall Street Journal, Judge Juhi confided, "Anyone who tells you 'I'm not afraid' is lying ... I tell myself I have a moral responsibility to see justice implemented, but at the same time I can't forget that I have a family and have to be very cautious."
Since the ousting of the Ba'ath regime, Judge Juhi has presided over some of the most dangerous cases and investigations in the newly established country, including the issuing of an arrest warrant for upstart cleric Muqtada al Sadr.
Exuding professionalism of the highest caliber, the judge fully appreciates the stakes. "I'm building a new Iraq by finding justice and by holding everyone accountable," he told the Journal. "No one is above the law, not me, not the clerics and not the former president."
For his courage and his faith in the rule of law, Judge Juhi is the Noble of the week.
Knaves: Whoopi Goldberg, for proving that a microphone and lack of talent make for a poor show.
Guests at a Kerry-Edwards fund-raiser Thursday night in New York's Radio City Music Hall had the honor of witnessing an act long since run its course. As one of the many celebrity comedians yucking it up on behalf of the Johns (Kerry and Edwards), Miss Goldberg, perhaps suffering from the cancellation of her one-season sitcom, reached for the lowest common denominator -- and still missed.
With a bottle of wine in hand, Miss Goldberg slurred a number of tasteless sexual puns on President Bush's name, as well as taking the now-mandatory swipe at Mr. Bush's intellect. Unfortunately for Miss Goldberg, hilarity did not ensue. When many in the audience were visibly unamused, Miss Goldberg defensively wondered, "Why are you asking me to come if you don't want me to be me?"
For being herself, Miss Goldberg is the Knave of the week.
Dishonorable mention also should go to the guest of honor himself, John Kerry, for remarking to the audience after the event, "every performer tonight ... conveyed to you the heart and soul of our country."
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When many in the audience were visibly unamused, Miss Goldberg defensively wondered, "Why are you asking me to come if you don't want me to be me?"