#Letters to the Editor — June 29, 2021

The Issue: Olympic athlete Gwen Berry turning her back on the US flag while receiving a medal.

If hammer-thrower Gwen Berry hates the United States so much, and she has a right to, she should not be taking advantage of all that her despised homeland has to offer by representing it at the Olympics (“O say can you seethe,” June 28).

This utterly despicable country of yours, for which you now have the privilege to represent, does not salute you either, you ingrate.

How fortunate for you to live where you can snub the nation’s anthem and not be jailed or worse. Gary Schwartz

Vernon, Conn.

The US Olympic Committee should ban Berry from representing our great country.

How could she even represent the country she disrespects? If you cannot be grateful for all the opportunities that United States bestows, how can you accept a position on the team?

The only reason is because she is a selfish individual who only wants to take what she can for her narcissistic purposes. Such a person should not be granted the privilege of competing in the Olympics under the flag of the United States.

Eliezer Cohen

Lawrence

To Gwen Berry: Thanks for the heads-up. This is one more sporting event I can skip watching.

And I see you didn’t reject the bouquet of red, white and blue flowers that you held onto during your show of disrespect.

Bo Madden

Jupiter, Fla.

We Americans have only ourselves to blame for Berry’s childish and self-centered antics.

If, when the very first Olympian used the games as a political device in 1968, he had been removed and lost his medals, a Gwen Berry wouldn’t be possible today — and all sports would be thriving, instead of losing their audience.

We’re not bigots or racists. We’re Americans, and we love our country. If Berry doesn’t love her country, she shouldn’t be allowed to compete.

Edward Rubinstein

Devon, Pa.

Berry just doesn’t get it. She is representing everyone in the United States, not herself.

If she wants to protest, let her pay her own way to Tokyo. She should not be on the US Olympic team. Paul Dunn

New Milford, NJ

I think Berry should be removed from competing on the US team.

In the Olympics, you represent our country. If this athlete has a problem with that, take her out.

Sports, athletics, etc, are not the appropriate venue for anyone’s private feelings. It’s about the team, and yes, in the Olympics, it’s about the country you have the honor to represent.

I’m sick to death of all the negativity these people have for the United States. Try that in China, Russia or Iran and see if you’re on that team.

She certainly doesn’t represent my country, and there are so many other candidates who would do anything to be there. Enough coddling. Show her the door.

Theresa Rohr

Hamburg, NJ

Berry was there to represent her country. The national anthem and the flag stand for the right to live in a free society. Both black and white Americans have given their lives for this freedom.

Berry said she was “pissed.” Then go see which other country will accept your disgusting behavior.

If racism was the issue, she would never have been there in the first place. Instead, she has been given (and has taken) every opportunity.

Maureen Sharkey

Brooklyn

Ed Scarry hit the nail on the head with his article on hammer-thrower Berry (“Selfish — and ungrateful to a great nation,” June 28).

Ungrateful is the only way to put it. Here is an athlete who was given a great opportunity to succeed at an Olympic level, and still she disrespects the many coaches, teammates and her country.

Respect goes a long way. The US team should not allow an athlete with this selfish behavior to compete.

If her mission is bigger than the sport she represents, then go pursue it elsewhere.

Doc Ludemann

Brudgeport Conn.

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