By not standing for Korea at the 2018 Winter Olympics, VP Mike Pence embarrassed America

David Meeks | USA TODAY

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PYEONGCHANG, South Korea – The first weekend of the Olympics was a story of cold wind and hot air.

Can’t do anything about the fierce winds that prompted the postponement of two Alpine events and one snowboarding event. The hot air? That went away when Vice President Mike Pence and his excuse makers returned to the United States.

It would have been better if Pence had not come at all. By declining to stand and recognize athletes of the Korean unified team as they walked together during the opening ceremony, Pence not only offended the host country, he sent a message that to the Trump Administration, not even common courtesy matters more than childish politics.

The world noticed. Columnists were quick to seize on Pence’s walkout of an NFL game last season, so offended by football players who did not stand during the pregame playing of the national anthem. That he saw nothing hypocritical in his behavior in South Korea only underscores how tone deaf this administration is in representing the United States abroad.

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Pence’s camp tried to play the patriotism card – a spokesperson tweeted that Pence would rather “stand and cheer for U.S. athletes” than recognize “the most oppressive regime on earth” – the expected tactic to divert attention from his poor manners.

It also misses a key fact: There were South Korean athletes in that delegation as well. We all know North Korea is a dictatorship, but South Korea is among our strongest allies. Do they count? The people here are wonderful. Americans are respected and embraced in this country; it would seem a small gesture for a visiting vice president to return the same respect.

Instead, we have leaders who wear boorishness as a badge of honor. The South Koreans are reluctant to discuss it. I tried to get several to tell me what they thought of Pence’s behavior, but they are so respectful they would rather say nothing than criticize a visiting dignitary. Good for them.

I’ll say it: As a visiting American, it was an embarrassment. If Pence had stood to recognize the Korean athletes at this global event, it would be preposterous to portray it as an endorsement of the regime in North Korea. It was not political until Pence made it political.

America should always strive to set an example for others. Sometimes that means rising above pettiness, taking the high road of proper respect over mean-spirited grandstanding.

The South Koreans won’t dwell on it. They are putting on a fine Winter Games, doing all they can to welcome all as the world looks on, including athletes from the north who have no freedom in their home country.

Pence couldn’t stand for it and opted for disrespect instead, and that is all the world will remember about his appearance at the Pyeongchang Olympics.