YamiB

As somebody trained to be a teacher, the way your teacher reacted was completely inappropriate.  There isn't really much to do about it and I wouldn't suggest complaining unless the problem continues.  If it does continue bring the issue up with the principle and if you are given any formal punishment such as suspension for not participating in the pledge I would suggest contacting the ACLU.

I don't understand why so many people are coming down on the OP in this thread as being just as bad as the teacher.  The teacher is in a position of authority and should be expected to act better than the child.  The OP was practicing his rights and if somebody has a legitimate grievance with the United States it is completely reasonable for them to abstain from standing and reciting the pledge. Its not as if there are no legitimate reasons to be upset with the government and society in the United States even if it is better than many third world countries.

I'm registered as a Democrat and typically vote that way.  Relatively often I'll like a independent or Green candidate better but I typically vote for the Democrats because they're better than Republicans at least.   I wish we had a less crazy conservative party and a system that made third parties more viable.