That's not true. This flag has been an issue, in the south at least, for as long as I've been on this Earth. The shyt has never, ever been cool. We've been echoing the same shyt for so long, it might seem like we were pushing this hard recently but it's been one of many issues. That flag hasn't been put over the more pressing issues.
Hell, I don't give a fukk about the flag honestly, it helps me identify bytch ass racists. It's their calling card. It should never be on federal grounds though, that's just ignorant.