Because it's a visible scapegoat that will allow one side to claim victory and the other side to show their concern while doing nothing to address the root problem. It's the perfect political solution.
You are right. What the hell has happened to our so called “leaders”?
Also, by watching Republicans run sweating to the microphones, it tells Libs were to push forward next. If they’re so quick to ban the flag, where will they go next? Confederate monuments which decorate the South? Stone Mountain? Mt. Vernon? Monticello?