Did Sarah Palin desecrate a flag?

During a Tea Party rally, Sarah Palin was caught in a signing flurry, scribbling her name on books, hats and even a flag.

(Image credit: Screen shot)

last updated 8 January 2015

The video: During a Tea Party rally on Wednesday in Reno, Nev., Sarah Palin took questions from the media while signing autographs — at least one of which appeared to be on an American flag. As the video spread around the internet, critics quickly accused the conserative star of violating subsection 8, part (g) of the Flag Code, which reads: "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature." Did this advocate for "pro-American" Americans inadvertently commit an unpatriotic crime?

The reaction: "The evidence is imperfect," says Emma Mustich at Salon, "but if she did put her signature on Old Glory, it would be a clear violation." So what, says Richard Adams at The Guardian. The Flag Code is breached all the time. That said, if Palin "supports a constitutional amendment to outlaw burning or desecrating the American flag, then she may have to place herself under citizen's arrest in order to remain ideologically consistent." Watch Palin sign the flag at the 1:30 mark of the following video: