The problem that I have with a patch (or any other form of team protest) is that the team does not represent, and does not have the right to speak for, the views of the individuals on that team.
Also, if Hockey Canada or the Canadian Olympic Committee is going to stand up and voice an opinion on this, then they should be willing to stand up and voice an opinion on all of the other issues that we, as Canadians, don't agree with.
Is the COC prepared to wear patches representing every issue that Canadians want to demonstrate against?
I am appalled at this law, and Putin and the citizens of Russia should be ashamed of themselves.
But why does this particular issue deserve our attention and protests more than the myriad of other, equally - and in some cases, more - significant and disturbing issues?
Our athletes should not be burdened with these issues.
However, any athlete (or anyone else for that matter) that wants to demonstrate on their own, about whatever issue they choose, is (and should be) free to do so.
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