Participants were seemingly directed to step on the flag to leave messages, though it was possible to avoid touching the flag by approaching the ledger from the side. The exhibit generated intense controversy: several major politicians, including George H. W. Bush, condemned the exhibit.
Attendees seemed to be steered towards stepping on the flag to leave their mark, yet they could sidestep this by approaching the ledger from a different side. The exhibit generated considerable controversy: several prominent figures, including George H. W. Bush, strongly objected to it.