Symbols of Patriotism or Racism?

The tragedy in Charleston last week has spawned, along with extraordinary outpourings of compassion and forgivenss, discussions regarding the propriety of the Confederate flag still flying in the South.

What does the flag stand for? Are these concepts that are in opposition to a goal of antional unity? If one flag is acceptable to some people why is a different flag deemed unacceptable? Does free speech mean the right to "say" and express even words and concepts that are deemed offensive?

Is patriotism, and the denegration of anyone who refuses to participate in its expression, just another aspect of thought control or are there symbols that are so antithetical to who we are as a people that they shoud be banned.