The Jersey

 Yesterday in the wee small hours, the US Women's National team crashed out of the World Cup. It was a tough road this year, as they played pretty uninspired ball in the group stage, which led to a second place finish. This led them to face a Swedish team in the round of 16 that was ranked 3rd in the world (the US is ranked 1).

While I was not awake to see it, apparently, the US played their best game of the tournament, dominating possession and creating all the meaningful chances during the first 90 minutes and again during extra time. They could not get past the Swedish goalkeeper and so it went to penalties. There, three Americans missed the goal mouth, including Megan Rapinoe. The Swedes seventh PK went over the line by millimeters.

What followed next is repugnant. The usual suspects in the US cheered on the American defeat. They labelled a team with numerous gay members an embarrassment. Stars like Rapinoe have been outspoken in support of Black Lives Matter, equal pay and the fair treatment of LGBTQ folks.

This led "patriotic real 'Muricans" to cheer on the defeat.

First, I doubt very much that most of those cheering the defeat know much about soccer or give two shits about the team except to hate on them.

This, however, distills the problem facing America today. Some Americans are cheering on the defeat of other Americans - in a sporting event, not an election - because they disagree with them. That's repugnant.

You cheer the jersey, and for those who say that the players "disrespected" the jersey by taking a knee (something done before most soccer/football matches around the world). These players dedicated their whole lives to wearing that jersey. Rapinoe had an absolutely terrible tournament, but she has left the jersey in a better place for her having worn it.

Jesus, get a grip.