CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Twenty-two Republican Congress members, spouses and aides went to Israel on a "fact-finding mission" hosted by the American Jewish lobby. After a night of dining and drinking, several went swimming in the Sea of Galilee, where the Bible says Jesus walked on water and performed other miracles. And Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kan., jumped in stark naked.

Good grief. These U.S. leaders were representing America, supposedly on serious government business in a foreign land -- a situation requiring protocol and dignity -- but they acted like rowdy conventioneers. It's embarrassing for America.

Rep. Yoder comes from a district so conservative that he has no Democratic opponent in the Nov. 6 election. He needn't fear voter retaliation for his stupid act. But he's apologizing profusely, anyway, ever since the news leaked out.

Well, we think all the participants have plenty to apologize for, because they tainted this country.