Simmering over the flame.(My Turn)

I used to look forward to the Olympics. Because the Olympics came around only once every four years, I got even more excited about the Games than I did about the first kickoff of the fall.

I am partial toward the Summer Olympics. As a kid growing up in Eufaula, Okla., I didn't get much of a chance to perfect my figure skating technique. On our side of the tracks, we didn't spend a lot of time increasing our ski jump distances. The memories of Bruce Jenner's decathlon victory, Bob Beamon's long jump, Michael Johnson's flash and dash and Mark Spitz's seven gold medals still thrill me.

But I have to tell you, the Olympic committees--U.S. and International--are taking away some of the thrill this year.

An initial report from the U.S. Olympic Committee media summit said our athletes would be warned against waving the Stars and Stripes at the upcoming Olympics in Athens for fear of inviting contempt toward them and our nation. The USOC clarified its stance after a justifiable outcry and resulting negative publicity. It expressed its desire for athletes to avoid displaying the kind of arrogant behavior that has become more common in recent years.

That's fair. I'm glad the USOC clarified that. I have news for anyone who thinks otherwise: Our detractors around the world aren't going to like us any more if our athletes wear chartreuse and chantilly lace instead of red, white and blue and wave the Mickey Mouse Club banner instead of Old Glory. The hard truth is they hate us because of who we are. Because of what's in our DNA. They hate us because we stand for freedom. Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. Anyone who thinks they're going to like us more if we don't show our colors is smoking something that hasn't been approved by the FDA.

Sadly, USOC chief executive Jim Scherr felt it necessary to warn athletes about their personal conduct at the games. The goal is to avert the obnoxious demonstrations of jingoism and outbursts that a small minority have unleashed in past Games. "We want our athletes to be champions who conduct themselves with class and, if it is the case, to lose with grace and dignity," he says. "Additionally, we are reminding ...