And We Thought It Couldn't Get More Cynical

At the Republican convention last night, a Virginia delegate and longtime Republican activist, Morton Blackwell, handed out his entire stock of large band-aids festooned with purple hearts and the words "It was just a self-inflicted scratch, but you see, I got a Purple Heart for it."

Not American flag pins. Not pro-Bush sentiments. Not GOP paraphernalia. Not patriotic or inspiring do-dads. Nothing positive at all. But instead, an item designed to denigrate an American combat veteran who earned three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for service in Vietnam.

Mr. Blackwell did this in support of Mr. Bush, who avoided combat duty by joining the Texas National Air Guard near his home, and then maintaining a spotty attendance record, and in support of Mr. Cheney, who avoided all military duty by obtaining four deferments.

Hard to imagine a more cynical, petty, hypocritical and undignified move. Our country deserves far better leadership and moral character than that exemplified by Mr. Blackwell and his cronies.