Soccer players should recognize good fortune

While I don't go out of my way to watch women's World Cup Soccer, I couldn't help but take notice of a recent match. I believe the Americans were squaring off against the women of Vietnam. The news media pointed out, and I made note of the fact that fewer than half of the American team members paid the usual respect as our national anthem was played before the start of the match. Only a few of the women placed their hands over their hearts and even fewer made any effort to actually mouth the words of the hymn.

The rest of the team stood expressionless with hands behind their backs or at their sides in what I, and the media "talking head" assumed, was a "protest" or at least an expression of distaste for our country and its values.

Seriously? Are these women aware that they come from a country where women are even allowed to play sports much less wear shorts while doing so? Are these athletes aware they come from a country where they can wear finger (and even toe) nail polish in public? Where they can go to school, walk outside their homes without a male family member as an escort and get their hair done wherever and whenever they like?

Where they can practice religious and sexual freedoms (I'm lookin' at you, Megan Rapinoe) without fear of reprisal or stoning!

I am appalled by this lack of appreciation for who they are, the privilege they enjoy and their distaste for America. Hey, the next time you want to demonstrate how awful things are here in America, first try playing soccer in a burqa.

Martin Dettmer

Wheaton