The history of flags as symbols that groups use to represent themselves is long. In two quick searches I found this from the country of Namiba, "The National Flag is a symbol of our struggle for national unity. It symbolises peace, unity and a common loyalty to Namibia. The National Flag represents the nation in every aspect."
And from Canada, "The flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion."
We can see it here in the news story's topic. The Gay Rights movement has usurped the image of a rainbow to show that they are united with each other and the human family in diversity. We see it in the Tea Party movement's usurping of the Gadsden "Don't Tread on Me" flag from the American Revolution. One may agree or disagree with what a flag stands for, or who is using it. You could see that as causing division. None the less they are powerful symbols.
Lastly, as for the American flag I say, either it stands for all of us or it stands for none of us. No one political, social or religious group or any other subculture of Americans has ownership of the flag.
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