Here's what I'd do from now on: Where a symbol on you at all times. Challenge their authority. Notify the ACLU, and they won't give you any trouble... They more then likely don't want to mess with the ACLU and will go "Okay."
Also, try to point out just how many of our American Heroes are Communists or Socialists. (Everyone is always willing to talk about Martin Luther King Jr.'s greatness, but not really his politics)
The Marxist, Communist, and Socialist Guild
Formerly called the NCS, this is a place for communists and socialists to talk about communism and socialism.