This weekend the United States’ Men’s Hockey Team won the Gold Medal for the first time since 1980. In a dramatic overtime win, goaltender Connor Hellenbuyck stopped the Canadians from scoring time after time, keeping the American’s hope alive. Late in the third period Jack Hughes took a high stick from Canadian forward Sam Benett that knocked out two of his teeth. He left the game briefly, only to return and score the winning goal withing the first two minutes of sudden-death overtime. It was an amazing win. These guys gave it their all and succeeded in winning the Gold. America couldn’t be prouder of them.
These young men and women represent all of Americans when they compete in the Olympics. They bring a wide variety of personalities, ideals, and motivations to the Games. They share one common trait: they want the opportunity to be recognized as the best in the world. They are motivated, hard-working, head-strong, and dedicated to their various sports and disciplines. They expect no quarter from the competition and give none in return. They are brutally competitive. People like Lindsey Vonn, who at forty-one years old, secured a spot on Team USA in the alpine downhill event despite having suffered an ACL rupture earlier. Unfortunately, she ended her event with a probable career-ending crash that shattered her leg. Not all winners get medals, but they’ve earned them, nonetheless.
When young people represent our nation in the Olympics, I expect them to show the world who we are as Americans. I believe they should reflect the spirit of American grit, determination and work ethic. Their actions, and words, should be examples to the world of what America is all about. Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier, said “It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. I think it’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.” Amber Glenn, an American figure skater spoke out against her government’s LGBTQ policies during a press conference. “I hope I can use my voice and this platform to help people stay strong in these hard times.” Glenn said.
In reference to Hess’ comments, snowboarding superstar Chloe Kim, whose parents are immigrants, said “the issue hits pretty close to home (and) I think in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another for all that’s going on and I think that I’m really proud to represent the United States,”
I love my country. I loved my country when the Biden, Obama, Bush, Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Ford, Nixon and Johnson administrations were in office. And I love my country today, under the Trump administration. I will love my country until the day I die, because my love for America has nothing to do with one man. When I disagree with its leaders and policies and speak out, and write of my dissent, and protest injustice when it becomes policy, I am actively loving my country, just as much as when I praise it for being noble, strong and true. Not all countries would allow me to do that, while many would put me in jail, or execute me, for speaking out. Not all who wrap themselves in a flag truly love their country.
These American Olympians are being honest citizens when they speak their minds. I couldn’t be prouder of them for representing the real America. The one that isn’t propaganda. The one we are fighting to live with, understand, and make better. Our patriotic zeal isn’t blind, deaf, and dumb, and never should it be. Whether they win the Gold, or not, they’re already winners. True Americans.
God bless Y’all.
Rolling Stones 