Next to the dictionary definition of “poetic justice” should be a picture of Megan Rapinoe’s humiliated little face after whiffing a penalty kick that helped seal the fate of the U.S. women’s soccer team.
In a shootout that ended the game 5-4, Sweden defeated the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), sending them packing from the World Cup. Of course, the blue-and-yellow-clad fans and players were ecstatic. But the next most excited observers were actually Americans — specifically the ones who, you know, like America.
Rapinoe’s fan club — which includes corporate media, LGBT advocates, and the stans in the White House, among others — has been busy heaping praise on the team and pointing the finger at those unpatriotic conservatives who aren’t devastated by the loss and took things “a step too far.” But here’s the thing: If you don’t claim allegiance to America when you win, don’t expect Americans to give a hoot when you lose.
