I think we need to cut Hunter Hess a little slack.
If his name is unfamiliar, Hess is the 27-year-old Olympic skier from Bend, Oregon, who kicked up some backlash with his response after a reporter in Milan asked how he felt representing the United States considering the political climate domestically and internationally.
Because controversies like this spring from sound bites, let’s take a moment to read Hess’ response:
"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. I think for me, it's more I'm representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S."
In a later answer, he elaborated:
"Just (because) I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S. I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people that supported me getting here."
It’s possible his comments might have flown under the radar; Hess isn’t the only U.S. Olympian to express similar sentiments. But then President Trump weighed in on Truth Social:
"U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it. Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
And that’s when the internet did what it does best – blow things out of proportion.
Before I continue, a couple of disclaimers. This column is not about immigration enforcement, Greenland or other hot-button topics on the mind of the international press. Nor is it a blunt-forced criticism of the Trump administration’s policies. I want to focus on a fundamental – yet fragile – American value.
Freedom of speech.
Even amidst the extreme polarization in our country, the foundational, democratic right to speak one’s mind is something we should rally behind – along with our Olympic athletes, who should be cheered not only for their achievements in sport, but for expressing themselves freely. What could be more American?
Yes, Trump has that same right. The man can, and does, say whatever he wants.
But what if instead of going scorched-earth on Hess, Trump used the opportunity to remind the world that in the United States, it’s OK to be openly critical of the government. Imagine how powerful it would have been if Trump posted a statement like this:
“Thank you, Hunter Hess, for speaking your heart and reminding the world what freedom is all about. It’s clear we wouldn’t be political allies, but I’m proud of you nonetheless for wearing the red, white and blue at the Olympics. THAT’S WHAT MAKES AMERICA GREAT. GO FOR THE GOLD!”
I know, the notion is comical. But thankfully, it was expressed by none other than Hess himself on social media in response to the brouhaha:
"I love my country. There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out.”
While Hess haters wrote it off as insincere damage control, I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Hess' father told The Bulletin newspaper in Bend that his son has received death threats. And let’s not forget we’re talking about a young man fielding loaded questions from an international press that’s not exactly chanting “USA! USA!” at the moment.
So yes, let’s cut Hunter Hess a little slack.
There’s no shortage of outrage in the world today. We don’t need to manufacture more.
Enquirer Executive Editor Beryl Love writes a biweekly column that takes you behind the scenes at The Enquirer. Occasionally, he shares his thoughts on local issues, particularly as they pertain to a free press and open government. Email him at [email protected]. He can’t respond personally to every email, but he reads them all.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Olympic skier Hunter Hess, Trump, and the freedom of speech debate