One's Allegiance to Country; not Symbols (e.g. Flags)

The Chinese use the flag as a litmus test for allegiance to the State. And hence, they outlaw its "desecration." I have no such allegiance to the State and so decry using a Flag to define said allegiance. The U.S. Flag, as a symbol and history is beautiful and worthy of understanding and appreciation. But, my allegiance is not to a Flag or any other symbol; but instead to the Principles upon which it was Founded - including the right to dissent even to the extreme case of burning a country's Flag.