Results: Respecting A Country's Flag

This picture comes from an article in the Daily Kos released this month. To quote the author of this article - "I am fed up with the faux patriotism on display in the NFL right now. In early November, in the middle of the kneeling controversy, I went to a Monday night Packers game at the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Being a Veterans Days tribute, every fan - over 60,000 - received one of these small American flags. By the end of the game, thousands of them were on the ground in the stands, sitting in spilled beer and getting stomped on as people left the game." Do you consider throwing down, spilling liquid on and/or walking/stomping on a miniature flag representing the country in which you live an act of disrespect? (This is not a question for N/A; this question is about ANY country and their flag)

Disrespect for the flag includes desecration. Under the United States Code, Title 18, Chapter 33 (enacted June 25, 1948) - "Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.' and - "As used in this section, the term 'flag of the United States' means any flag of the United States, or any part thereof, made of any substance, of any size, in a form that is commonly displayed." (Penalties, if any, are decided independently by states and the District of Columbia and are not federal policy) Do you think there should be penalties for the actions represented by the above picture?

Under the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Section 176 - "The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown." (This includes disposable napkins, paper plates, cups, clothing as well as soda or beer companies using the image of the American flag on their products) Were you aware of this code?

Under same code - "No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart." Were you aware of this?

Under same code - "The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free." Were you aware of this?

The Flag Code is a guideline, not an end all. The Code does not say a person must stand; it states that they should. With all of the disrespect the flag actually gets in this country, kneeling or sitting during the national anthem is the least disrespectful action that can be done. This is not done only at national football games. People all over the country also just stay seated during the anthem at many different events. Do any of these codes cause you to rethink how the US flag is respected/disrespected?