I don't know if it's because my generation isn't really aware of this flag protocol or what, but I didn't find the flag-in-the-pants statement offensive. I was telling my 56-year old mother how tragically hip it looked just flowing while Richie jammed on the guitar when she told me that he was violating this code.

Which just goes to show - lots of people aren't aware of these rules. I'm sure Richie didn't intentionally tuck the flag in his pants to cause an uproar.

Secondly, I really think this reporter needs to calm down. Report the facts, and try to remain objective. His attempts at witty insults fail miserably and only illustrate him as a jealous journalist.