Does anyone really ask that question before they go off and say or do something? Maybe the symbol of America to him is oppression--although given his place in society it seems silly to make that claim. I honestly don't think he considered how other people would take it, and I'm not sure he cared a whole lot, anyway.
I agree that there is no respect and I suspect the cause is circumstantial mixed with some intent. At Kaepernick's level he's a useful idiot. At the "community organizing" level disagreement and division is a means to an end. I see no evidence that these activists want to respect people they disagree with. It is absolutely going to extend far beyond flags and monuments.
