content: I would have to disagree there, the flag is a symbol of the government and that is evident in the pledge of allegiance.  I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands...  Either way, the intention is that they're burning it to protest the government, not the people. Similarly, people fly the Confederate flag as a symbol of Southern pride, not (always) as a symbol of white supremacy.