How can you make the argument that the symbol of the confederacy can't change meaning from "pro-slavery" to "pro-heritage/culture" while the Swastika can change from a Buddhist/Hindhu/etc. symbol to a Nazi one. in this case, by your logic, the Swastika is most definitely not rightfully banned in Germany. It's not like the Confederate flag is actually a symbol of hate these days. Some take it that ways but most don't.
And the argument about being in an open and rebellious arrangement with the U.S. is a little too extreme. The majority of people take it as "watch where you steps because we don't want you treading on our liberties and you need to have checks" which the government SHOULD be supporting since, you know, they're all about our civil liberties.
And even if they were supposed to symbolize a rebellious relationship with the government, it's hard to say that's even wrong. If the government is doing something wrong and people don't like it, the people have the right to be rebellious. That's what founded this country so that bring me back to my original point about the current U.S. flag being a symbol of rebellion to Britain.
CS/CpE. Yay engineering!