Olympic skier Hunter Hess dared to be honest and noble about what it feels like to represent the United States at this moment, and I completely understand and agree with the sentiment:
“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.” – Hunter Hess
If people don’t understand how expressing one’s opinion on America is the absolute epitome of what this country was founded upon, then they truly don’t understand America. And to have a problem with anyone saying such a thing at this point in history, when we are clearly under a fascist dictator, is one of the most censorious and un-American things I’ve heard.
Here’s to Hunter Hess, and being a true American. Let’s also remember the words of James Baldwin: “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
