Look up "people wearing the American flag" in GIS. I'm sure at least half of those people think that they're being patriotic.

Also consider all the shirts with the American flat printed on them. Not just in the center, but the ENTIRE shirt. There are also American flag boxers, bras and bathing suits.

I think you've chosen to put your foot down based on your beliefs of what you want to be true, not what is true (not that there's anything wrong with that, except you're making the argument for all patriotic Americans).