The flag stands for the United States of America. The states are represented by the stars on the flag.

The states represent the people. The beauty of the concept of America was the people control the government, therefore the people are the government.

This means you are kneeling on the people. Knelling during the Anthem is a ceremony that also celebrates the flag. Kneeling during this ceremony is also protesting the flag. This us a non-starter for any discussion

You are attacking the very people you claim to be defending.

Your knee causes me to not hear your breathe or your concerns.