US flag is now a target

We had some nasty issues this memorial weekend with people having their flags marred, mutilated, stolen et al.  I was telling my girlfriend about it in AZ, said the same thing happened around their area near Ft. Huachuca.  I didn't think it was widespread.  Apparently, the US flag is now a target.  How disgusting.  I would never disgrace any other county's flag no matter what I thought of their country or their government, why does it always seem to be alright to crap on America?  Just curious.