Why does Old Glory have to be controversial?

A Gallup poll released Tuesday found that American pride has fallen to its lowest level since the firm began asking the question in 2001. The clearest expression of this decline is just how contentious the American flag has become.

The same poll, released by Gallup, found that Americans are split on their view of the American flag itself. While the percentage of Americans who fly the American flag at their homes at any point throughout the year is the same as in 1986 at 43%, the partisan divide has widened.