We recently returned from a week in a part of Wisconsin dotted with small communities in which a blizzard of American flags fly and a wide assortment of flag-related apparel and paraphernalia manifest. Two observations, that of lesser import first.
4 U.S.C. 6 provides, in part, as follows:
(c) … The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.
4 U.S.C. 8 provides, in part, as follows:
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as … merchandise …
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery …
(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling …
(i) The flag … should not be … printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard …
How many times each day do we as a people violate the letter or spirit of federal law in the name of patriotism? Does a citizen show greater respect for our nation by wearing a flag shirt that is vulnerable to an errant mustard drip? While such is clearly harmless, a separate personal pique: How badly is our flag desecrated when it is prominently displayed in the lapel of a politician (of either party) engaging in self-aggrandizement, spewing self-serving lies, and/or inciting discord?
I have more understanding of the actions of those that burn the flag or kneel during the national anthem to call attention to an injustice in our country that they sincerely believe needs correcting. I would offer that these actions, whether or not one agrees with them, are made in the exercise of one of the rights that the flag stands for: the freedom of expression.
The larger concern: It occurred to me that when I see our flag flying in front of a house, or see one of our people wearing or using flag-themed apparel or paraphernalia, my visceral reaction is: that’s a Trump supporter. This is obviously an over-generalization; there are unquestionably veterans and others among us proudly displaying the flag that don’t support the President … but I would submit that my inclination is accurate much more often than not.
I fear that the flag either has become or is being made into a partisan symbol – perhaps for some, the trademark of a culturally-homogeneous America. While it is human nature to find comfort among those that are like us, I truly believe that when asked to consider, the vast majority of Mr. Trump’s supporters appreciate that the flag belongs to all Americans that love this country – even those with whom they vehemently disagree. I’m troubled by the notion that possibly not all of them do.
McCoy's Noise 
My personal opinion is that conservatives in general equate flag flying with patriotism, which they see themselves as having a higher degree of than liberals. That is why many fly the flag 24/7. Conservatives do not question typical historical American doctrines (ie. the Civil War was about states rights and not slavery, the US did not wage genocidal war against the Native Americans, John Wayne was an American hero even though he dodged serving in WWII) whereas, liberals are always criticizing the US and hence cannot be patriotic.
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