Staff Reports
The recent abduction of Americans by Hamas has stirred heated debates about priorities and foreign policy. The entire ordeal has led to a rather stimulating thought experiment comparing the treatment of American hostages to that of high-profile WNBA players. Imagine that, had these unfortunate Americans been basketball stars on the WNBA payroll, their release would have already been secured. Why? Because the Biden administration is more inclined to negotiate when it involves people who can dunk, rather than average Joe Americans.
Picture this: the WNBA stars jet off to Israel to showcase their commitment to some liberal agenda, perhaps something tagged as LGBTQ+ or a hastily arranged exhibition that serves to polish their celebrity status. Those superstars are more than willing to chase a paycheck overseas, especially when it means flaunting their progressive values and raking in cash that would make a C-list reality star jealous. One has to wonder what motivates these athletes to play in countries with less-than-stellar human rights records. After all, Russia’s pockets seem to run deep, even as WNBA games struggle to fill seats in every major city back home.
Yet, if the WNBA players could hop on a plane to cash in on a sweet deal overseas, surely they would not hesitate to land in Israel for a promotional event celebrating their cutting-edge views. The irony is rich. On one hand, they’re traveling to play for nations like Russia, which they vociferously condemn on social media, yet are oddly quiet about their ties to financially lucrative locales like Saudi Arabia. One must question where their loyalty lies – with themselves or the values they parade around?
When it came to Britney Griner’s situation in Russia, the Biden administration scrambled to negotiate her release after she was apprehended for breaking the law. The administration exchanged a convicted arms dealer for her, raising eyebrows about the priorities set by the President’s team. After all, the term “Merchant of Death” doesn’t just roll off the tongue for no reason. Reports emerged that said dealer was right back to making deals with dangerous players, proving that releasing individuals with such a nefarious past is a gamble that doesn’t always pay off.
If the Americans Kidnapped by Hamas Played in the WNBA, Would They Already Be Free? https://t.co/qN3ibl1K4k
— Lois Levine Fishman (@FishmanLevine) October 9, 2024
Now, the unfortunate situation of the Americans kidnapped by Hamas is being juxtaposed with Griner’s drama. The clear implication is that if these seven Americans had been WNBA stars, they would likely have already been rescued in dramatic fashion, possibly even with a press conference involving tearful calls for justice, if not a made-for-TV movie deal in their future. Alas, being mainstream Americans does not carry the same weight in this administration’s eyes.
As these scenarios unfold, it becomes evident that the President’s decisions favor those loud enough to be heard on social media. The heart-wrenching plight faced by everyday citizens does not garner the same urgency or media attention. It beckons the question: in today’s political landscape, does celebrity status overshadow the compassionate need for justice and freedom for all Americans, no matter their profession? Apparently, in this administration’s eyes, the answer is a firm yes.
