Originally Posted by: Jolly McJollysonSince technically you're free not to stand up, I don't understand the objection. "Stand up or else?" Well, what's the "or else?"

You're absolutely right, I am free to not stand. If I don't stand, however, I will be punished, most likely in a way that affects me for much longer than the period of time I did not stand for. And I cannot escape this school-sanctioned punishment, for I am forced to go. Free country indeed.