Where did reference to the flag come from?

The main difference between those earlier civil protests and the western farmers, is that the former wanted new rights, the latter want their old rights back.
If you live in a city, big or small doesn't matter, you will most likely be totally unaware of the restrictions placed on farmers, landowners and the likes the last couple of decades. Those restrictions on how to use private land impairs the owners ability to use and produce after their own fancy. It also lowers the value on property and outright government confiscation, persecution and coercion to give up private land, has been showed on numerous occasions.

I agree that fighting over federal land is not the best place to make a stand. But sometimes you don't get to choose where to state your point. Not when enough is enough.
The guns are just part of everyday attire for some of them. Just like earrings, stiletto high heels or Gucci bags are for others.
As government officials or just anyone who approaches people of opposing views, you have to adjust your metod to the situation. Blunt force can not be the only tool in the toolbox.

Cowardly men always plot to label Freedom as anarchy!