Appropriate? I would tell those people to get a life, it's just a flag. This is not a criticism to anyone in particular on this thread, just a general rambling about this sort of "happenings". I understand some people have a deep sentiment of patriotism instilled into them, but this is ridiculous. I can see the criticism as it being a "photo op" from a political standpoint. I dunno if you could criticize that. Politicians are what they are, and they always are in the lookout for a good photo op. A flag, a baby, an old man, it's all the same to their marketing department. Get pissed because they take a photo with a puppy too. I think there are much better reasons to get angry at the political class everyday than this though.
But being outraged because it would be appropriate or not for a flag ... it's a flag, a piece of cloth, for god sakes. Even if you burn the thing it is still only but a flag, polyester and some cotton. I can understand concepts like honorable cause, and even nationalistic feelings (even tho I prefer to think I am a citizen of the world). But we need to put things into perspective. People should get outraged that someone fires a shower of hellfire missiles into a populated area in afghanistan, or get really pissed about how much money your government spends on contracts, local government, federal government, any government (unless you are the contractor, of course). People should be outraged there is poverty, not enough opportunities for everyone. Nationalism is used by whichever side needs to instill the patriotic feeling in an attempt to have things go their way, or attract a feelgood sentiment.
It's just a flag. Get outraged about the things that REALLY matter. That's what I think. But then again, I am not a flag person.
