It's all about perspective. Our nation's flag represents all of these things to someone at some time. Certainly when the colonists banded together to forge a new nation it was treason against the Crown.
The answer to the "flag" controversy is not to be found in what the flag "means" to someone else, it is whether it is a formally recognized modern flag by the state. History belongs in museums.
And while there are episodes of racial injustices in America (including segregation, slavery, medical experimentation, and forced relocation) they are recognized as wrongs today and reforms have occurred. I do not agree with the above statement that these wrongs are inextricably woven into the fabric of America (although some will carry an endless beef against America over them).
Very well put. This is a knee-jerk leftist argument that is often echoed without thought or consideration. Political correctness rules the day in our schools and many have become indoctrinated... even some here on the FR. The Confederate flag is no more racist than the American flag. Slaves were bought and sold under the American flag for the better part of 100 years. Is the American flag a symbol of hate? The PC types here choose to ignore some of these facts.