Is it not possible to simply fly a flag for the love of the flag? I own a number of flags from various countries and periods. I have no particular attachment to the Whiskey Rebellion, but I like the flag and fly it regularly.

yes that is possible, except we know that’s not what has been happening.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/show/former-neighbor-disput...

We can dispute the specifics of his motivations but clearly these have not been simple cases of “I just like the flag.” It’s also pretty bizarre to fly the flag upside down for fun.