There is nothing symbolized by the rebel flag that anyone should be proud of. I've heard this "heritage, not hate" argument before, too, but the heritage represented by that flag is one that believes it's okay to declare independence under the phony guise of states' rights so the Federal government can't tell your citizens that it is unlawful to possess other human beings as property.
There are other things to be proud of that set the south apart from the rest of the country than a flag symbolizing treason, slavery, and one of the bloodiest, most senseless wars in history...like sweet tea, boiled peanuts, red dirt, and adult illiteracy. Pick another symbol already, you jags.