Earth to Port of Seattle. The Port of Seattle doesn't even know what is a religious symbol and what is not. The Christmas tree is NOT a religious symbol. The Christmas tree was actually a pagen symbol. The Christmas tree was adopted as symbol of giving only. A Menorah IS a religous symbol. If the Port of Seattle wants to remove religous symbols, they should have removed the wreaths instead. Wreath have the meaning of "Everlasting love". Maybe the Port of Seattle should get educated on the subject first. The Port of Seattle should have denied the request by the Rabbi based on the Menorah being a religious symbol and the Christmas trees remained displayed. End of story.

Thank you for further alienating the Jewish community, and my children. He is definitely keeping the stereotype alive and well. In this time of terror and termoil, what we really need is one person to further "skylight" our community in a negative way. I do not see the Christmas Tree as a representative of a Christian Holiday, but rather as a symbol of American tradition. What I find particularily fascinating is that Judasim is ranked as the 14th largest major religion of the world, and yet I'm curious to find out how many other larger relious groups objected to the Seatac Decororations.

# Christianity: 2.1 billion
# Islam: 1.3 billion
# Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
# Hinduism: 900 million
# Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
# Buddhism: 376 million
# primal-indigenous: 300 million
# African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
# Sikhism: 23 million
# Juche: 19 million
# Spiritism: 15 million
# Judaism: 14 million

Maybe there is a deeper cultural issue here. Keep up the good work.

The trees sgould go back up. If that jerk wants a menorah, or whatever it is, he can have one at home.

This country was founded with the Christianity beliefs. The Christmas tree should be displayed. We are so worried about offending other religions/immagrants/etc, that we forget that we are offending the majority of us by removing what our founding fathers believed.

Why should a few pagan fanatics destroy the idea of Christmas? It is not the tree that some are objecting to. It is the name of Christmas that connects the tree to Christ and the name of Christ is what is offensive to some. It is offensive to more people to remove the name of Christ from the holiday.

I can understand how they might think it's easier to remove all celebrations, rather than have to display all celebrations. However, it shouldn't be that difficult to display the diversity of celebrations in this country. After all, it's an airport, a gateway for all cultures arriving and departing. The problem is society doesn't know how balance living as a collective of individuals. In my opinion.

When are we going to tell the so called "you're hurting my feelings and it's not fair" people to sit the hell down and shut up. If you don't like it here, LEAVE. I am so tired of us giving in to the 1% who disagree with the way it has been for years. JUST LEAVE!!!

I'm disappointed at the removal of the Christmas trees. I'm not 'religious', don't have a background of church attendance or faith in a god, but I certainly wouldn't want to restrict others in the practice of their religion. To me, as I'm sure to many, Christmas trees are just beautiful symbols of the holiday season, like the myriad of lights displayed by homeowners and businesses. I didn't know--if true--that the trees are considered a pagan symbol, but please put them back. Too much political correctness (how I hate that phrase) is going to destroy this country. Let's all just be tolerant of other beliefs, faiths, ideas, and we can all get along together much better. Thanks in advance for (I hope) reinstatement of the trees, SEATAC.

This subject makes me furious. I am tired of the outspoken minority ruling this country. This country of ours is based on majority rule. The majority of this country, and the world for that matter, is christian. By making such protests, all this does is alienate the rabbi and his religion because the majority of people don't believe in his request to remove a symbol of "giving". If he wants any sort of respect, he should embrace OUR country for what it is and not for what he wants it to be.

I think it is astounding that a major international airport feels the need to cater to one mans wishes. What makes his religion so much better than that of a catholic, or any other christian belief? The christmas tree is an American symbol of Christmas, not a religious symbol. What's next, is the rabbi going to ask people to remove nativity scenes in their front yards? What about Santa Clause, or Frosty the Snowman, or even Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer? Aren't these all AMERICAN symbols of Christmas too? Who does that rabbi think he his? Why should he get special treatment for his beliefs, i sure dont get anyone kow-towing to me for my religous beliefs. It is way past time that we as a society stop bending over backwards for people who "might" become offended about something that is done. It is time for our elected officials to grow a spine and start standing for something!

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is alive and well and is stealing Christmas from right under our noses! He was in disguise this past week as the leadership of Port of Seattle. Rather than simply add a menorah to the symbols of this sacred season, The Port says HARUMPH ~ NO SYBMOLS AT ALL. The worst part is that we, you and me, allow that Grinch to continue with his nasty, dastardly deeds. Cindy Loo, where are you? We need you!

Dennis, thank you for speaking the truth. I believe whole heartedly that if one doesn't like this country, GET OUT! I love this country for what it is, but not necessarily what it has started to become. These stupid minority groups need to shut up or ship out. And at bare minimum, do a role reversal before requesting anything. Example: Let's say I was in Israel and was offended by the Star of David. Do you actually think Israel would abide by ANYONE'S request of taking that down ANYWHERE?

Good Mornning!!!
--And that should be enough!!!--

Here is an idea... (Sarcasm!)

NO Holiday decorations of any kind. No mention of it whatsoever! Any language that implies or represents an image or clue of celebration should NOT be allowed or mentioned except in the comfort of your own home.

Imagine how perfect the world would be. You can't mention Winter solstice because people know it is code word for the Christmas season. Santa is a representation that brings the image of Christmas to even a non believer so he is not allowed because people aren't stupid, they know why it all started.

Toys and gifts should be sold as the "Super Sale so you can spend all your money on people you don't even think of the rest of the year time and hopefully coerce your boss into paying you extra for work you did not complete"... --Sounds like Scrooge?...--
Oh yeah, He reminds us of Christmas... Not allowed, so unless you have a V-Chip in your home, it should not be allowed on TV because those shows accesses the public domain. (So Maybe the government shoud give one to everyone in the country if they don't have one)

What do you think?
Peace, Love, giving, celebration, forgiveness, and many other traits and occasions represent some sort of religion or another, aren't they all about values, and beliefs in a greater good? Hell, lets just beat each other to death with sticks and forget about it.

Willis in Seatac

Good Mornning!!!
--And that should be enough!!!--

Here is an idea... (Sarcasm!)

NO Holiday decorations of any kind. No mention of it whatsoever! Any language that implies or represents an image or clue of celebration should NOT be allowed or mentioned except in the comfort of your own home.

Imagine how perfect the world would be. You can't mention Winter solstice because people know it is code word for the Christmas season. Santa is a representation that brings the image of Christmas to even a non believer so he is not allowed because people aren't stupid, they know why it all started.

Toys and gifts should be sold as the "Super Sale so you can spend all your money on people you don't even think of the rest of the year time and hopefully coerce your boss into paying you extra for work you did not complete"... --Sounds like Scrooge?...--
Oh yeah, He reminds us of Christmas... Not allowed, so unless you have a V-Chip in your home, it should not be allowed on TV because those shows accesses the public domain. (So Maybe the government shoud give one to everyone in the country if they don't have one)

What do you think?
Peace, Love, giving, celebration, forgiveness, and many other traits and occasions represent some sort of religion or another, aren't they all about values, and beliefs in a greater good? Hell, lets just beat each other to death with sticks and forget about it.

Willis in Seatac

The Port did the right thing in taking down the trees.What else were they going to do? Bend to the will of a small group that seams to be a little off base! But what is wrong is threatening to sue over a religious symbol, that is not being displaied. Come on...The rabbi said they have put up 1000s of menorahs around the word. What did they say? Put up this symbol or we will sue you??

A little more tolerance is needed here. Aren't there more important issues to be dealt with in this world (by Rabbis and Airport Commissioners) than holiday decorations? Tolerance doesn't necessarily mean equal-display-decoration-opportunity. It may mean quietly allowing someone else to do their thing at that moment in time. Tolerance is not just what you expect to get. It's what you are willing to give as well.

The last thing we need in this era of terror, is another threat of a different kind against a transportation authority. The rabbi's action only serves as an open invitation to the more militant faction of his religion to take matters into their own hands, should their religious symbol not be displayed in a manner they deem appropriate. Why would anyone do such a foolish thing? As sad as I am to see the trees removed, the Port of Seattle has a responsibility to protect the traveling public, and therefore made the right decision. What next?

Why doesn't the Port just have Patty Murray give a speech above the "tree" and she will clear up the whole mess. It is not a religious tree at all, it is just a "holiday" tree.

Put the trees back! I think we have forgotten the values this country was founded on. I seriously doubt the other countries would listen to our demands to remove their religious icons. What a litigating society we have become! Our founding fathers would be ashamed of us if they could see what we have done with what they left us.

I have a small tree with lights in my classroom. My students thank me. They appreacaite the seldom seen public gesture of happiness and family. They also know, I'm out on a plank, taking a huge chance for admonition. When illuminating the holidays is illegal, we have become illogical and ill-fated!

Our country was founded on freedom....freedom of speech,freedom of religion and freedom to make personal choices....the ones who do not like this should indeed leave....go find a country that they like better, if they can, not try to change ours by threats or forcing their ideas on Ameicans. It is a fact, we will each account for our personal choices. We have flown in and out of the Sea-tac, to & from Alaska for years. Let's face it, if we remove all symbols of our faith (Christianity), then lets have our hooded friends remove their hoods. I think we have been very tolerant...but then that is what our nation was built on. Also, perhaps the dear rabi shoud remember who stands with the Jewish people more than any nation. As the Greatest Teacher of all time said...we are straining at a knat and swalowing a camel.

I want to know. Is there Christmas Trees in the airports in Israel?

I can certainly understand how the Port would want to avoid a lawsuit and avoid promoting any religion. Christmas trees are not a religious symbol as far as I know. It seems that the Jewish community is trying to force the use of religious symbols in public places with this lawsuit threat. I would imagine they would lose the case, but why go through the hassle. This rabbi should apologize to the world for his Grinch like attitude and withdraw his request. Anything less would be to show the world how extreme and unreasonable his, and by association, his followers, views are attitudes really are.

Seatac, being a gateway to the world, should display all holiday decorations. I am a Christian but it does not offend me to see a Menorah or whatever the Kwaanza symbol is, or Buda, or India. All religions celebrate God. It seems to me only the prophets and religious practices are different. Are we not "One Nation under God?" God is God! It does not say one nation under one God. I see nothing wrong with displaying symbols of other religions. It does not offend me. People! We need to be more tolerant. This Country was founded on religious freedom. That means the freedom to worship God in any way you choose. We should not be offended by the way another person chooses to worship God. We should be Tollerant and Respectful. And the same goes for people who choose not to worship God.

Jews throughout the world need every friend they cn get. Denying cities the right of religious, ie Los Cruces, New Mexico not displaying Crosses on its logo or as now in Seattle removing Christmas trees does not win friends. I have a name people assume is Jewish gives me a feeling for the hate that goes on in the world.

Ease up Jerws and realize that this country is, "One country under god."

I for one am very tired of all the people that we allow to come into our country, become citizens, then they want to try and change everything to what there old country was like. This is America and I feel that if you are going to live here, abide by what our country was founded on IN GOD WE TRUST. I'm so sick and tired of the so called minority trying to change everything and complaining about our country. If you don't like what we have offered you then get the hell out. I'm a true American and I love my country and God. STOP trying to change everything let us have our country the way that natural Americans started it. If we want Christmas or any other holiday decorations up we should be able to. We don't go and make a super big fuss about all the other beliefs decorations or objects that they display.

the prosecuting attorney's office should be contacted to consider bringing charges against rabbi bogomilsky for making intimidating threats.

The Constitution guarantees us Freedom OF Religion, not Freedom FROM Religion. Thus we settled here with the idea that ALL religions are to be allowed. This means respecting them also. Thus, allowing Christian symbols, Jewish symbols, and other religions and their symbols is part of our tradition. Keep the trees, allow the Minorahs, and whatever else religious holiday is being observed. Let us also remember that "holiday" came from the greeting "have a holy day".

On a less serious note - hey you capitalists out there - the more religious holidays that are given prominence the more sales you make. :-)

It is like every thing else they let the minority control what the majority wants. It is that politically corect crap the the Clinton administration started and the dumb ACLU keeps it going. Damn right leave the trees us!

I am sorry but this is just plan stupid!!!!!!!
The trees should stay !!!! This is the season many people celabrate Chritmas, If someone does not like it don't look, don't put there own tree up.
Things in this country are getting out of wack!!!
We have many different people in the world and we need to get along better.
If you don't want to celabrate Christmas, Easter, St. Patty Day, Fathers Day, Mothers Day or whatever day, then don't I won't make you, but don't wreck it for the people who want to. They are not hurting you.

Okay, I think it's fair to say that Mel G. is free to go!!

Hmm - the illustrious Rabbi should be ashamed of his action regarding the threat of a lawsuit against the Port of Seattle, over the display of Christmas trees. For heaven's (pardon me) sake,what on earth was he thinking about? Come to that, what was the port of Seattle thinking about in bending to this request? All of the commissioners should see that the trees get reinstated. There are no crosses, no creches, so what is amiss with having a lovely lighted tree?
This just might be the hill on which the United States of America, God bless us all, makes a stand to keep American that which is American.

There is an enormous segment of middle class America who recalls Christmas past and longs for those familiar traditions to continue. Among those are Carols and Christmas Trees. Please, reconsider and put the beautiful trees back up.

It is sad that this happened because there was a fear of too much inclusion; isn't that what America and holidays are about - bringing everyone together?

SeaTac should proudly display symbols from all cultures who ask to be represented so we can all share in the holiday joy and the American spirit of inclusion.

The anti-Semetism here disappoints me. Would people be criticizing in the same way if a Christian pastor insisted on a nativity scene? The hostility is that of the majority against a perceived minority and is completely against the spirit of Christmas.

America is supposed to be the land of the free not the suppressed. Sad as it is The way of this nation has come down to this,"Everything is up for debate and if you don't like it or agree with it then sue, sue, sue. Sea tac, you have got to ask yourself this question- "Do I have a right to express a holiday or have I lost my backbone to stand up for what I believe in no matter what the cost"?
Sincerely Ann Pruett
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL"

The rabbai should have brought this question up months ago instead of weeks ago and should not have threatened to sue. Now that he has withdrawn this threat, the Port of Seattle should reinstate the Xmas trees and agree to discuss this issue to install a Menorah for 2008. This issue is best discussed outside this holy season when people of all faiths need to focus their hearts and minds on what is this season means to all of us.

Seattle should not remove the Christmas tree. I as a Christian have the "First Bill Of Rights" the right of (freedom of Speech and expression). Why are Jew attacking us Christian. Go to Normandy and see all the American WWII soldiers who died defeating Nazi Germany and all you see are crosses on their graves. Thank to this Christian soldier who died defeating Hilter. Otherwise The Jew would never have survived. We Christian have no hate to anything Jewish.

The Christmas tree needs to come back this is celebrating a wonderful season no mater what you are or who you are. Our nation was found on christian faith. We are America this is the American Christmas Tree.

The United States, and for that matter western civilization, to many people is seen as a monotheistic culture – for the most part Christian – having nothing to do with paganism. The reality in fact is very much the opposite. There are 23 very large Zodiacs in public government buildings in Washington, D.C. and many more Zodiacs on monuments and room interiors honoring the pagan deities. The pagan godess Virgo of the Roman Empire is prominent in all the capital Zodiacs. The ancient Jews and Christians saw this pagan architecture of the Roman Empire and its corresponding culture of a religious tolerance and acceptance of all gods as the principle enemy of monotheism. Author Jonathan Kirsch in God Against the Gods points out that from a cultural perspective, paganism still holds a lot of ground in this age old war:

"Classical paganism, then, was the official religion of a civilization that is recalled and honored today in classical texts that are studied in our universities, the statuary that fills our museums and the architectural styles that grace our monuments and public buildings."

Even all those seemingly benign daily rituals, like tossing a coin in a wishing well or a fountain, give homage to pagan gods. Thus, though many Americans might be raised in one of the many monotheistic belief systems, the American culture, especially what we hold up as ‘high culture’ in our schools and government buildings, is decidedly pagan.

The core of pagan belief is a tollerance of ALL GODS, thus as a country that upholds pagan beliefs in our architecture, museums and schools Americans should not remove Christmas trees or any other religious symbolism from airports, government buildings, etc. If we start removing Christmas trees then we should remove the pagan zodiacs from the faces of all those famous buildings in Washington DC. Since the architecture is based on the same architecture that gives homage to the pagan Gods of the Roman Empire we would need to also remove all our capitol buildings and erect Christian inspired architecture with statuary of the ten comandements, unlikely.

Who's running that place? Christmas trees or not it seems to me that he's probably blown the decorations budget already. We paid to put them up and we paid to take them down. Now I think they should stay down as a monument to stupid management. Personally I think Christmas is great. Decorations are fun. Whoever is in charge should have thought ahead of time to include some menorahs. Then just realized his/her mistake and added some menorahs when the rabbi complained. It's a fun and time of year, let's try and keep it that way!

to Gerry: The Rabbi did bring this up in October, according to news reports. He was ignored, which is why the lawsuit was threatened.

Port of Seattle, put the trees back up and add a little beauty to the vast expanses of the airport facility! These are decorations we are talking about here, not religious symbols. Look at the trees and think whatever you want, but enjoy the beauty. If you want a country or facility that is plain, without dreams or public beauty, move to a communist one.

A court of law has stated that a Holiday Tree is NOT a religious symbol. The Port should put them back and let the lone Rabbi take them to court. Case law has already been set and he will loose.

I wish that we Americans could put aside our differences and act as one nation again! Regardless of our ethnic or relig. backgrounds. The Christmas Tree isn't a Christian symbol, it is a centuries old tradition and thats all. To me a nativity with the wisemen and the star and the birth of Christ are the true symbles of Christmas. Why do people always threaten legal action first, and never think to just sit down and talk. Wisemen still seek him is appropriate here. If wiser and calmer heads had prevailed a suitable solution would have been found to make everyone happy. Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the season for what it is, a celebration of Christs Birth and nothing more!

This is absurd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! These days, even athiests put up christmas trees, so it doesnt necessarily represent christian beliefs.

I would like to see what would happen if a christian told a jew to take down a menorah...yea right.

This argument is completely biased...this is ridiculous...

For centuries the Christmas tree has symbolized the Christmas season, as has the nativity.
They should still be allowed anywhere and if the menorha is displayed too, that's what America is about.

We are not Christians, but we have several Christmas trees in our home. We also have Jewish friends that put up Christmas trees. This country was founded on Christian beliefs, and the majority of the US population is Christian. The tree represents a celebration of the holidays. The nativity scene represents the birth of Christ. To those who are offended by the Christmas trees, we say "Get over it!"

I am speechless. I read all of the other comments, It would seem that seatac has enough sense to know that if someone would be able to sue them for a Christmas tree not a cross, that every shopping mall and most resturants would also be on the Hit List. I am very disappointed since I will be at seatac to pick up a friend that arrives tonight. I told Her Ya'll have the prettiest decorations in this State. And the prettiest State. As you may know I am from the South. I told her that you see Chistmas trees everyday year around. I am sorry that she will not see one as soon as she gets off the plane.

IF THE PORT DECIDES TO PUT UP A MENORAH THIS YEAR OR NEXT YEAR, THEY CAN BE SURE THE OTHER RELIGIONS WILL RIGHTFULLY EXPECT THEIR REPRESENTATION AS WELL. THE LIGHTED TREE IS NOT A RELIGIOUS SYMBOL ANY MORE THAN SANTA! I SUGGEST THE RABBI SPEND HIS FREE TIME WORKING AT THE SOUP KITCHENS, HELPING THE HOMELESS OR ANY OTHER OF THE HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN THIS CITY. THIS WOULD SPEAK FAR BETTER FOR THE GROUP HE IS SUPPOSEDLY REPRESENTING THAN THE ATTENTION AND EMBARRASSEMENT HE HAS BROUGHT ON THEM. A PROUD LIGHTED TREE OWNER

The Chrismas Trees should be returned, as this is part of the holidays. This is not the Nativity Scene. The trees are a sign of family and Love for one another. Most Christian Churches don't have Christmas Trees. Minora's are religious to a certaim sect. The Trees are universal.

I Think if people spent as much time as they do worring about little stuff they would get more important stuff done. I believe we should mine are own and live they way we want and not try to change everything we dont like. If people put up approprate stuff then I dont see what the problem would be. I think the trees should be returned.

Return the trees and don't say "Please". Seems that some group is always ready to shout "look at me I'm being left out". No, if you are an American there are long standing traditions that don't need to change just because you want them too. America is freedom and will not hide in fear everytime someone shouts they will sue unless they are recognized. Get a life and enjoy the local and national spirit of our holidays.

Its sad that the Christmas trees came down, but its too late to put them back up. Get on with life and start planning for next year by putting up twice as many trees and decorations as there were this year.

In my opinion, there shouldn't be a manorah added because trees and decorations aren't religious. But, if the nativity scene was added then there should also be a manorah.

Good luck with this whole debacle.

This is hard to believe in, really. Christmas tree has nothing to do with religion but rather with the time of the year. It is a tradition that was followed many years in many different countries. Why do we have to change things because of some rabbi? If he does not like this tradition, then he can move to Israel for a month or so and let us enjoy the great American tradition. Menorah, on the other hand, is the religious symbol. So, will we have Muslims, Krishnaits, or others suing public organizations for putting up the holiday trees? What if atheists will demand removing all trees altogether. This is ridiculous. I just can’t believe how far we went in our country if we fear of every little thing over which any idiot(s) can sue us.

PUT THE TREE WHERE IT BELONGS, RETURN THE JOY OF THE HOLIDAY, AND IGNORE THE IGNORANT ONES.

Merry Christmas to you all, my friends!!!

Its sad that the Christmas trees came down, but its too late to put them back up. Get on with life and start planning for next year by putting up twice as many trees and decorations as there were this year.

In my opinion, there shouldn't be a manorah added because trees and decorations aren't religious. But, if the nativity scene was added then there should also be a manorah.

Good luck with this whole debacle

Its sad that the Christmas trees came down, but its too late to put them back up. Get on with life and start planning for next year by putting up twice as many trees and decorations as there were this year.

In my opinion, there shouldn't be a manorah added because trees and decorations aren't religious. But, if the nativity scene was added then there should also be a manorah.

Good luck with this whole debacle.

Claudia

I believe that the Christmas tree should be reinstated at Sea Tac.I was raised that in this country there is freedom of speech, that is one of our founding rights. People choose to leave their own country to come to the United States. To have the freedoms that Americans are born with. We are "One Nation Under God". Let us remember why there is Christmas, it is the birth of Christ.That is what should be on our minds at this time of the year.

Our beautiful state donated a tree that sits on the whitehouse lawn as we speak. I didn't hear of any rash of lawsuits against the white house!? I agree with most people who have responded. Let us have our traditions! This is where we have always lived and what we have always done. It was what made my childhood so special and I want that for my grandchildren. I am feeling like the minority and am offended at the Rabbi's lawsuit. We bend over backwards to be respectful of others' cultures - like someone said; If you don't like it - LEAVE!!

Yes the trees should be returned and in the Spirit of the season let's not forget there are many who celebrate the holiday season in different ways. The menorah is also beautiful. With the amont of people arriving at SeaTac it is fitting to display all kinds of decorations that reflect the population of Seattle and surrounding communities. Let us all remember we live in the most fortunate country and THAT is what we should be celebrating! Happy Kwanzaa

Christmas season is supposed to be a time of happiness and joy. The lighting of Christmas trees makes my children and grandchildern happy. Lighting of Christmas trees is an American tradition,I think we live in America? Being threatened every day by what is politically correct is getting out of control.

First, let's get the facts straight. Nobody, absolutely nbobody wants or has asked the Port of Seattle that Christmas Trees be removed from SeaTac, a public property.

What the rabbi asked --quite properly in the American tradition of diversity-- is that another religion also display its symbol. In this case, a menorah. And the same requests could be expected from other major religions, whether Hindu, Muslim etc.

Strangely, the SeaTac authorities first delayed by months in replying to the Rabbi's earlier request for equal display rights. Then when pressed for action, or even a reply, the SeaTac officials panicked--instead of thinking.

Hence, their almost hysterical decision to remove the trees, even though nobody ever asked or wanted the trees removed. Hence, the phony "war on Christmas" headlines in The Seattle Times, which should have known better.

Let's hope the apparently befuddled Port Authority which operates SeaTac Airport, does a better job of keeping the planes flying in and out on schedule.

PHIL SCHEIER
Seattle

Rabbi Boqomilsky THREATENS to sue a public financed authority and then wonders why they overacted by doing what he told them they had to do to protect them selves from financial and time wasting actions during there highest traffic time of the year. Now he is concerned that he is looking like a “Grinch”. If the shoe fits………….. His lawyer is concerned “that the Jewish community will be portrayed as the Grinch”. I don’t think that the Jewish community supports this BUT I don’t hear anyone saying that “he is NOT supported by the community”. My opinion is that he got the 15 min of exposure he wanted & will keep this going as long as he gets his picture in the paper.

Tonight would be a good night to reinstall the trees and if you need some free help call me.

Yes, the Port of Seattle should return the Christmas trees to the SeaTac airport. I agree with other blogs that the tree was originally a pagan symbol but has now become an American tradition to display Christmas spirit. It is sad in our society that we are so afraid we are offending someone that we react so quickly, before we realize that our actions will actually offend a whole different part of society. The rabbi actually had as his agenda getting his menorrah displayed. One religion isn't better than another. No one religion should dictate how the others celebrate. Please don't deny any one religion their rights just to please another.

Just put the tree back up and leave them alone!

When did a Christmas tree become a religious symbol? If it were a Cross, or a nativity scene, maybe I could understand the concern. The rabbi needs to be informed what the Holiday spirit is about in reference with a tree. Not to be confussed with the birth of Jesus. Merry Christmas tree to "all".

Please leave the tree up. Christmas is a national hoilday. Hannaka is NOT. If I were to visit a place of business that displayed the religous symbols or beliefs of another culture would I be affended?... No. This is just another blow to AMERICAN CULTURE... When will this end.
Port of Seattle needs to stand there ground.

It is sad that they threatened a lawsuit over a Christmas tree being displayed. A mistake was made in taking them down so correct your mistake and put them back up!
To Port of Seattle you need to start examining people's motives behind their requests. If they threatened to Sue you, then THREATEN TO SUE THEM BACK! The Jewish Rabbi did not act in Love by threatening and God is Love!

Another nut in the salad dish. any wonder why our friends(enemyies)want to annihilate this race. This idiot doesn't realize that the "TREE" has nothing to do with religion. Keep'em down and let him be the grinch!!

The Christmas tree is just a decorative symbol of the Holiday Season – it was not a religious symbol at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. Only in the 1600 century it came in ‘fashion’ to decorate pine trees with cookies or treats. Around 1800 the trend started to decorate it with balls

A manger or a cross would be a religious symbol, as is the menorah – a tree is really not, and to threaten with a lawsuit for not putting up a menorah next to a tree I find most appalling.

It is unfortunate that a religious leader would use a lawsuit as leverage to get a menorah placed next to a Christmas tree. The rabbi ought to be promoting peace and understanding instead of divisiveness like we see in other parts of the world. I would love to see a menorah placed next to the Christmas tree...that's fine, but let's not take it as a religious attack. Also, some Christians use the tree as part of the religious Christmas tradition, but many don't!

What next-- I have to take my CHRISTMAS lights off my house? I think that people who are making a big deal about the Christmas spirit are idiots. A CHRISTMAS tree is pretty to look at. I also think a lighted Menorah is pretty to look at---***news flash*** im not Jewish and I am not offended when I see one being displayed. So what it boils down to is get over it-- if you dont like it-- DONT LOOK AT IT.
BTW- Merry CHRISTMAS

As a Christian and an American, I am extremely frustrated with our "political correctness"! Yes ... they should replace the Christmas trees and place the Menorah as well as any other groups who celebrate this time of year. I thank God for the freedoms I do have in the United States as well as the freedom of those of other beliefs. I thought the constitution allowed freedom FROM interferrance from government, not the reverse. Thank you for "listening".

If the rabbi had not been so confrontational, the whole thing wouldn't have blown up. Threatening with a lawsuit to get a menorah up? Why couldn't he have made it a suggestion, and kindly offered to supply the menorah?

Why do we have to move forward in the world via the threat of litigation? It is uncivilized not to try diplomacy first.

Give the tree a different name and put it back. The only thing Christian about the tree is the name. Celebrating the birth of Christ on December 25 is only symbolic of recoginizing Christ's birth and has been celebrated from October to January over the centuries, unlike Easter which is celebrated according to the stars. The Christmas tree, especially the lighting aspect has been celebrated a lot longer, because it is at that time of year that the days get longer and in the north you sure welcome the longer days. Nordic and German celebrations centered around this idea and if you live in the north as I do, you can have the lights up from the middle of November to the middle of February because it is the darkness that gets me, not the cold.

I am a Christian, but I have no objection to a menorah or symbol of any other religion. In fact, recognizing other religions by letting people know about other religions by decoration some with other religious symbols and holidays in public places would be an opportunity to help us understand and respect each other. We each have a right to our own beliefs as long as we don't harm others with them. As far as the Port of Seattle hiring an anthropolagist, I am sure they have wasted their money on worse projects, but I don't think it has to go that far. Put back the trees--we all need our spirits brightened!

The Christmas tree has always been a seasonal symbol to me. It represents a pagan festival of lighting the darkest time of year. If the Jewish rabbi has an issue with the lighted tree, let us put up ornaments in the shape of the menorah that would blend in with the rest of the decorations on the trees. Bring back the trees! And think before cowering to objections by the few.

Put the Christmas trees back up. No one asked for them to be taken down. It was a knee jerk reaction in an attempt to be politically correct.

The Holiday is Christmas! The majority of people in this country celebrate Christmas. So lets stop offending those people that celebrate Christmas.

A decorated tree is not a symbol of Christianity nor has it ever been, so what is all the fuss about anyway? (Although I do have to admit I have heard of Christian that won't have a decorated tree in their home at Christmastime because they believe it is a pagan symbol).

I am a born again Christian and I do have a decorated tree in my living room during the Christmas holiday not only because it is pretty to look at but because it's a tradition that was passed down to me by my parents.

Let's do away with all of this political correctness and get a little common sense back in our society again!

C'mon Sea Tac Airport! Have a little backbone and stop cowing to such a small percentage of the population. The majority of us are not offended by a decorated tree OR a menorah. If this city keeps going in this direction we may have to consider changing the name of the Emerald City to the Paranoid City or Phobia Central!

In this day of so many angry people one must take any threat seriously, including legal action. The Rabbi did threaten legal action that is not a request. The Port took appropriate action and should stick by their decision. Let the Rabbi go out and find another to threaten to display his idea of Good Will to All Mankind.

Unbelievable.

I seldom wonder what a person will have to complain about next.

Not only at this time of year, but all year round we should be expending our energy doing something that will help others, not something like this ridiculous stuff.

Political correctness should have gone out the window a LONG time ago. Everyone is afraid to say or do anything because of the threat of a lawsuit.

This one ranks up there with the ridiculous history in the age old wars over a religion. A Christmas tree is not a religious symbol. They certainly could brighten a weary traveler on a drab trip!

It looks to me like the Rabbi is back peddling as to make it look like he did nothing to offend anyone with the removal of the Christmas trees being his fault. Well, it is his fault and we would have to thank him for putting some grinchy scooge into the holiday season at Sea Tac. I hope he has a great Hanukkah.

The rabbi's request seemed reasonable, but to threaten to file a lawsuit tainted it - making it into a legal demand. I think this was uncalled for and is awful.

Despite the treat of lawsuit, I think the Port's decision is disgusting. Another example of the grinch stealing our Christmas.

Put the tree back.

So instead of threatening to sue couldn't the Jewish Rabbi have asked in a more dipolmatic way. I think he owes everyone an opology he should help set them back up.

I am a Jew who is appauled and embarassed by the furore that this EXTREMIST Rabbi has caused. This is certainly NOT the opinion of every Jew in this country - quite the contrary. Please put the Christmas Trees up again. If this Rabbi needs a menorah in the airport, tell him to go live in Israel post haste.

Put the trees back and add a Menora. Simply we are all very different,not better,different. If Sea Tac starts trying to cater to demands by those that are upset because they do not have exposure they may as well hire a PR firm with 100+ employees to deal with the garbage that will start coming in. Do not budge on our American traditions and where you can cooperate with a group that wants to also celebrate with their symbols try to cooperate. We can all learn from one another. I am sad that while the Menora is not a bad idea I think the True meaning of Christmas was lost in the threatening letter. Let's focus! good will to all men.. said Charlie Brown

Shame on the Rabbi to threten a lawsuit. If he felt there should be a menorah on display why didn't he just go ask if he could bring one in and add it. I'm sure the SeaTac manager would have welcomed the addition. Why would SeaTac have to supply the menorah?? Now the Rabbi is trying to say that he didn't mean any harm, yea right!

i think the port did the right thing, unfortunately. i hope the port does not "cave-in" to the pressure and put the trees back up this year. this rabbi has ruined it for everyone. the court costs and the cost of an menorah would have been huge and this rabbi probably would not have let-up until this issue was settled in the supreme court. why is everyone so sensitive these days? i would not have a problem going somewhere that had only jewish decorations or kwanza decorations, but let me have my damn trees. why can't people just let some things be. religion is about being tolerant of others and their beliefs. we should celebrate that we are all not alike. oh ya, and "merry christmas"

A Christmas Tree and Menorah are a symbol to the world of Love, Peace, and Joy. Please return one of the few symbols that reminds each of us that those things are still important to us as a nation and a world. It is one of the few times a year that we as a human race come together with small reminders that we need to care for one another. Leave hate and religious beliefs out of it. With the removal of the Christmas Trees it teaches our children that this kind of behavior is exceptable to getting your way.

Christmas trees are an American symbol of Christmas, not a religious symbol of Christianity. If everyone wants their religious symbols represented in every public building, they should be free to put for the funding to erect and maintain them themselves.

Christmas trees have been a tradition in this country forever! No special interest group should have the right to dictate how or where we display a christmas tree a nativity scene or an alien wearing a santa suit. What is happening to our freedom in this country?

THE PEOPLE WORKING AT THE AIRPORT AND ALSO THE PASSENGERS ARE WORKING AT AND PASSING THROUGH A GLOOMY PLACE WITHOUT THE CHRISTMAS TREES. THIS IS A TIME OF YEAR THAT EVERYONE IS CHEERED UP BY ALL THE BEAUTIFUL TREES AND DECORATIONS SO LETS GET BACK TO CELIBRATEING THE HOLIDAYS LIKE WE ALWAYS HAVE.BRING BACK THE TREES AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS.THANKS THE CHRISTMAS TREE

when are people going to wake up and smell the "reverse racism" in this country.

Get a grip Port of Seattle! This is Seattle, Wa.,UNITED STATES of AMERICA, not Tel Aviv, Bangkok, Bejing or Riyahd.

I find it hard to beleive in this day and age, in this time of happiness and good cheer that religous belifes would ban something as simple as a christmas tree. It is not a Christian symbol it is a symbol of the season. Why do we, as the majority, have to follow one that is the minority in a fight that is really not about our Christian beleifs but more about there unwilliness to spread the happiness that this season should bring. We are being forced to bring down the trees, not a Christian symbol, or be forced to place a Minora, Which is a religous symbol up. If it is a religous argument then let us fight over putting up a Cross and a Minora, not over a simple tree. People it is time to stand up and take back our rights and stop the Very Few from taking them away.
Steven True

Christians do not interfere with Jewish Holidays. Right?

Why shouldnt the christmas tree be put back up ? I dont see why we should allow others to TELL Us what we should or shouldnt do. We dont go around telling other religions what they can and can not do therefore they need to back off and get a life and leave the rest of us alone.If they want to be sue happy people then let them that only means they should go around sueing most of the population for having christmas decorations outside "Including the trees outside people decorate" and there in not a soul in the world that would win any suit because there are way many more people that beleive in christmas than the religous people so they need to leave us and our beleifs alone and we will not bother them . PUT THE TREES BACK UP !

A brand new "GIVE ME A BREAK" When does it end. Why can't they just decorate a tree with jewish motif?! The "Tree" symbolizes the holiday season, and we all celebrate something. Put the trees back up and set the jewish gifts under them.

Are you kidding me??? When is this going to stop. Did the Port of Seattle just realize that "someone might" challenge these X-Mas trees.. It appears to me that they were just waiting for a challenge to pull them down... In 1989 (I beleive) the courts ruled that both symbols were secular. Why not just put up the menorah??? P.C. is just killing this country. Here's another example.. I attended Ferndale, WA.'s "Winter Program" last Thursday. Out of all the songs (approx 15) (X-Mas the word) was said one time, several different songs were sung about Hunuka, where Hunuka the words were said approx. 45 times, and Kwansa the word was said approx. 40 times.. I just don't get it????? It looks like reverse discrimination to me.....

My father served in two wars and was in the reserves until the day he died. He fought for our rights and beliefs. America has opened it's borders and therefore is becoming an angry place with a diverse culture with an intolenace for others beliefs and customs. It is after all, the one thing that makes each country unique. I find myself wondering if we traveled to any other country and found their customs and religious beliefs offensive...would they change them for us?? I doubt it...and good for them! Our customs and holidays belong to each American...no matter what religion we subscribe to. God Bless America...and Merry Christmas!!

I am thinking of the children...what a poor example we are all setting for them...If Christmas is for quarreling over trees, symbols, and traditions in public places, then how do you teach the children about freedom, respect for others, and the importance of celebrating what is wholesome,familial, and joyful.

Our children are Americans,with many different heritages from countries all around the world. They need some things that are American such as Christmas trees have become,that remain American traditions in public places as well as private homes. Research has shown that children without rituals, customs, and traditions with meaning, become people who are lost souls, restless and aimless, who cannot connect to others or the good in society.

BRING BACK THE TREES!!!!!!!! THE TREE DID NOT HURT ANYONE IT WAS A TREE THE CANDLES WOULD BOTHER ME MORE THEN A TREE WHAT IS GOING TO BE NEXT?EASTER THE 4TH OF JULY THANKSGIVING?? TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY OF GIVING AND TO THINK OF THOSE WHO HAVE LESS THEN WE DO THE RABBI SHOULD BE ASAMED OF HIMSELF IF I SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS DO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SOMEONE SUING ME MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

It's been said over and over..."the Christmas tree is not a symbol of Christianity". The displaying of a Christmas tree, specifically one without angels, stars or other religious ornamentation is not a statement of faith and its presence does not justify the demand for "equal display opportunity". It is a holiday symbol that brings happiness & joy to many people in many parts of the world: a world badly in need of a little more happiness and joy. Tell the good rabbi where to put it and let's get on with the joys of the season!

Praise Jesus, I feel sorry for these Sunday keeping Christians who think X-mas trees are ok. Jeremiah 10:2-5 says that they are for the heathen! They have gone along the Catholic's and changed the sabbath to Sunday and don't have one Bible verse to back it up. These Sunday keepers will be fooled when the false Prophet comes and can heal, fly, disappear and claims to be Jesus. If salvation is though the Jews than the Dragon must seperate them by changing times and laws! Backing up Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 12:17 The Seventh day is the Sabbath not Sunday!

It's always funny to see anyone of any faith sweating the load over this religious garbage at a time when we should be worrying about things that really matter. Our soldiers are dying in Iraq and yet at home we spend days waitng in line to by worthless computer games. We waste thousands of dollars on cheese sandwiches with images of religious icons. We attend religious movies directed by hate-filled bigots, and we spend four months of the year burning energy to light up our homes for Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas. We spend the entire Christmas holiday drinking, eating, wasting money and indulging in orgiastic behavior, and then we profess to be people driven by morality? No wonder the whole world is laughing at us.

I think we should giving into all these small groups of individuals and put the trees back. This is America and the tradition is a Christmas tree at this time of year. Let's keep the tradition up and beautify the airport with the trees. If they don't like, don't look at it. "Tis the Season" to be happy.......

If they dont like what OUR country does then they need to go back to where they came from and celebrate the way they do. as for us WE Need to do what OUR country has done for many years Put the tree back up and NEXT TIME DONT LISTEN TO THE THREATS We do NOT tell them how THEY should celebrate or what THEY SHOULD DO! HAPPY HOLIDAY`S Lori

Christmas tree is stand for the joy, the hope, the prosperity, the health. It is the spirit of the holidays season,.Nothing wrong to put up the tree at all, or the tree is not stand for a religion or politic purpose. I'm so desappoint why we have to take it off??? if some one not appriciate please not look at the tree. It is not block your ways why it have to take it off???

A Christmas Tree is a symbol of the holidays!!!! A Christian symbol it is to some.. If "God We Trust" is on our coins should not a little Christmas tree be allowed!!! Give me a break....put it back!!!!
Merry Christmas!!!!!

This is appalling to begin with, that we have opened our hearts and our Native born American soil to the Immigrants. Many who are living here illegally, which many of these people, we are supporting by governmental funds and/or by jobs given to them instead of American born. The audacity of these people we accepted into our County to attempt to change "THE AMERICAN HEREITAGE AND SPIRIT OF ALL AMERICANS" is to much to comprehend. They now require us not only to share our lands, our jobs, and our money, but they tell us we must conform to their ways and beliefs and that we Americans must change our Heritage.... or they will sue us... NO, this is unacceptable . If they cannot "WHEN IN AMERICA, DO AS THE AMERICANS DO", Perhaps they should return to their native soil and enjoy their true native born soil and their beliefs that go with it, leaving our American Heritage that was fought for by our Ancestors and now by us, let our freedom reign. We have given them enough of our hearts, our lands and our jobs, leaving many American born people without, while they thrive. Enough, this is to much to ask...BLESS AMERICA AND THE NATIVE BORN, WITH STRENGTH AND PEACE ON EARTH FOR ALL who fight for goodwill, honesty and peace. We will continue to fight for our Freedom, Liberty and Justice for all Americans.

The level of "politically correct" has reached the RIDICULOUS.. The policies of our "free" nation are now being dictated by the MINORITY not the majority. The Christmas tree isn't a religious symbol. If the airport decorations were huge crosses, then maybe the rabbi might have something to steam about. His Christmas tree ban shows his religious intolerance.

1) This country was NOT founded on Christian beliefs; that is a mythconception. It was founded on FREE TRADE; the Quakers arrived later. And many of this country's forefathers were atheists or followed other religions.

2) Christianity pilfered Paganism for far more traditions than just the Christmas tree. MANY of today's holidays, thought to have Christian origins, were begun by Pagans PRE-DATING Christianity. Many Christians just don't want to believe that.

3) Even as an agnostic, I believe that the Port of Seattle SHOULD reconsider its decision to remove the Christmas trees from Sea-Tac airport. They should put up a Menorah, as well - along with any symbol from any other religion, as well. Christians who are demanding that their religious symbols be accepted by others should be EQUALLY accepting of other, NON-Christian symbols. If Pagans want to have a large pentagram put up alongside the Christmas tree and Menorah, so be it. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

4) "Freedom for all" means EVERYONE. Live and let live!

Debra G.

In order to wellcome all, we rightly choose at our begining as a nation to keep religious artifacts out of public spaces. Not at SeaTac nor any other publicly owned space should we show symbols of faith. Those belong in places of worship or in our homes. Why?

It's that ability to let all who enter public spaces feel "equal" that makes this nation great.

Let's each live our respective true as we understand it, and thus be the living example of the good that we belive in. Most public spaces I know of could use more of that.

I don't know where to begin to express my disgust over this issue!

It's NOT about religious tolerance and/or representing "all faiths" equally (didn't see the Rabbi suggest OTHER religions), but about religious INTOLERANCE...specifically, about being intolerant over Christianity.

IF I HAD SEEN ANY OTHER TYPE OF TREE OR SYMBLE I WOULD NOT BE HAVING A FIT. THERE IS SO LITTLE LOVE LEFT IN THIS WORLD WHY CAN NOT PEOPLE JUST EXCEPT THESE THINGS BECAUSE THEY ARE LOVE. WE ARE ALL SUPPOSE TO BE FREE TO LOVE , WORSHIP AND FEEL AS WE CHOOSE. AND JUST BECAUSE IT IS NOT THIER CHOICE THEY WANT IT CHANGED. I LOVE CHRIST AND I FOREVER WILL, HOWEVER I DO NOT GET UPSET ABOUT OTHERS CHOICES. I RESPECT THIER CHOICE, BECAUSE IT IS THIER CHOICE. AND ONE SHOULD NOT BEGRUDGE THE OTHER. EVERY ONE CONTINUES TO ASK " WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OOUR WORLD "
WELL IT ALL STARTED GOING TO HELL WHEN THEY TOOK PRAYER OUT OF SCHOOL. WHY CAN NOT PRAYER JUST BE SILENT TIME AND EACH CAN PRAY TO THIER OWEN BELIEF AND GOD. THIS HOLE WORLD NEEDS ALL THE PRAYERS WE CAN GET. SEA TAC NEEDS TO PUT THE TREE BACK UP AND IF OTHERS WISH THIER SYMBLE TO BE UP THEN THEY SHOULD PROVIDE IT SO SEA TAC CAN ALSO DISPLAY THIERS.
THIS WORLD NEEDS TO GET REAL AGAIN.
BECKY SHAFFER

What would happen to the American economy and way of life if we just totally wiped out Christmas? I wonder how many Jewish Merchants (including the notorious Diamond exporters around the world) and Jewish businessmen profit from the so-called "Christmas Holidays" ?

As for anyone who wants to protest Christmas...Let's give them all a one way plane ticket to countries who don't allow Christmas celebrations at all.
Then, lets celebrate all faiths and their traditions during this season of Joy and Peace without those Grinches.

I am sick and tired of people picking on religion. This country was founded on religion and we are supposed to respect each others beliefs. We are supposed to be united in this beleif. Being US Citzens we are protected by our Constitution. If someone wants to put up a tree, and the words Merry Christmas. Do it. If someone wants to bend down on his knees and pray to their God. Let them do it.If someone wants to display a Menorah, do so. But keep your mouths shut and let Americans be who they want to be. Don't stomp on my constitutional right to the freedom of religion. The rabi is violating my constitutional right. How dare he. The rabi should not have threatened a law suit if he wasn't trying to cause trouble. PUT THE TREES BACK Port of Seattle.

In this dreary world decorations add so much cheer and joy. I am a Seattle native and remember fondly Christmas Past, stores, streets, public places, schools all celebrated Christmas. It is part of our heritage. I am not crazy about Halloween decorations but they abound everywhere in October. So What? Live and let live. But don't take Christmas away from Seattle. Put the trees back!

PLEASE keep The Christmas Spirit!! REPLACE THE TREES!! It is truly sad that this self emulating, and most likely litiginous JERK, could put The Port of Seattle in such a compromising position. I could go on, but, "Tis the Season". Paul Williams, Benton City, Wa.

Why is sea tac being attacked when another religious group threaten to sue? isn't it nice how christmas spirit is ruined again by legal threats.
When will common sense be back in our culture?

I am a Christian with the full understanding that the "Christmas tree" has nothing to do with my religious beliefs, but is instead a tradition that spans the globe, has been around for hundreds of years, and comes along with the winter seasons celebrations.

I find it ridiculous that somewhere along the line we have decided that it is actually possible not to offend anyone, and that we will go to any lengths to try not to...even if it means demolishing the spirit of many this holiday season...just for the comfort of one or a few.

As a Christian and as an American, I applaud the right of freedom of speech and am very thankful for it. Therefore, that is why I believe as Americans we should be allowed to display our holiday traditions openly. I believe that if I want to celebrate this holiday based on my religious beliefs I should be allowed to do so by displaying a Nativity Scene. And if my Jewish neighbor wishes, he can do the same by displaying his with a Menorah. We all have our differences and a voice to demonstrate them with. Why can't we demonstrate them all simultaneously and peacefully?

To SeaTac: As an American; put up my tree And as a Christian; put up my Nativity

To everyone else: Merry Christmas or Bah Humbug take your pick

Gina Miller
24 Puyallup

The Xmas tree is just one of our customs here in the UNITED STATES. If it offends you then go home. You want to be here and live like us then accept our traditions. I am not a religious person but I believe in the spirit of Christmas

We don't go into other countries and demand that they change their beliefs of their holidays etc because we are offended that ours are not displayed as well. This is America and Christmas will always be Christmas so accept it or go home. And chirst is the reason for the season, so on that note MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

What's next?
It's obvious the complaint wasn't to have the trees removed,it was a power play to have their religion displayed. The right to freedom of religion in a country based on christianity. Go figure! I say let's ask the Native Amercans what they want. There was a day when there weren't masses of differen't religions in America.
Now that there are, they all want to complain. When does it end?
If you don't want to see Christmas Trees at the airport, Don't go to the airport!

When did our country decide to systematically remove all of our traditions? and who gave them the right to do so? And since when did the "separation of church and state become the Law?.. I still don't see that written anywhere? exept where people with wishful thinking have written it themselves. We are still a christian based nation, with christian roots and history. Have we become a nation of Hitlers and stalins? or dare I say Saddams? If everyone wants to continue to call christians hypocrites or that "they" are intollerant", then they need to look at the lack of tollerance towards the christians taking place. Who's really the hypocrites?

I am a Christian who obeys what G-d through the bible says - I reject the pagan and man made traditions which most of so-called "christianity" holds dear.

christmass and christmass trees are totally pagan. The celebration is a celbration of the pagan sun "god" ba-al and G-d calls it an abomination (Jeremiah chapter 10 and Ezekiel chapter 8) and as such, the country that calls itself a "Christian Nation" needs to reject ALL pagan symbols. Unfortunately the united states is NOT a Christian Nation and never will be. Just like in the Prophet Ezekiel's time, many claim to follow G-d and G-d calls their practices an abomination to Him.

When the pilgrims came to america, they banned christmass because they knew it was pagan. The puritans banned christmass as well -- it wasn't until the pagans came over invading the united states that christmass was celebrated here.

I applaud NWCN for doing their own research and validating what I have been telling others - that christmass and christmass trees are entirely pagan which means they are an abomination to G-d Almighty.

I am ashamed that the port of seattle showed their antisemitism by taking down their pagan trees just so they wouldn't have to put a Menorah up. If this was a Christian Nation, the Menorah would go up and the pagan trees would be torn out of society.

I am embarrased that the anti semites are posting their vile hatred here - the united states was supposedly founded on the freedom of (ALL) religion and not just the nazi germany brand of false paganized "christianity" It is obvious the skinhead version of the JEWISH Messiah is being worshipped in this country and not Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) who IS JEWISH.

Happy Hanukah!

You know we go through this almost every holiday now, I know when Iwas a kid looking forward to family tradition be it a tree santa menorah or any other symbol was something to look forward to. I knew that the family would get together on common ground based on their Family beliefs and celebrate together. Who cares if it is a tree a candle holder a fat man in a red suit it just didn't matter. Why do we adults have to make everything about US!!! who cares what your neighbor believes and who cares if there are more trees than monorahs or vise verse. I thought the Holidays were for Families and the Children to celebrate with the freedom of their choice. Isn't that what we are fighting for in IRAQ???? Hello!!!!stop this madness and be joyful that you can even say the word Hanaka Christmas menorah and JESUS CHRIST. What are we teaching opur children when we have temper tantrums about these things. That adults have the right to give and take away anything they want based on THEIR BELIEFS ALONE AND EVERYONE ELSE CAN JUST CONFORM UNLESS THEY HAVE MORE MONEY OR A BIGGER AUDIENCE.

We have become an intolerant society! Why is it a "religious official" finds it necessary to threaten a state agency with a law suite only to make a point that serves no purpose other than to bring attention to his own agenda? Here is a person who cannot put aside individual religious beliefs during a season that is supposed to be shrouded with peace, harmony and goodwill, just to make a point that noone wants to hear! Shame on him, and shame on the Port of Seattle for their over-reaction to a self-serving scrooge. Put the trees back while there is still time to celebrate what this season is supposed to be all about, before all that's left is a sad remembrance of an issue that could have been avoided.

If it's not too religious sounding, peace to all and have a wonderful holiday season.

Merry Christmas
JC

Under threat of an ill-timed and frivolous lawsuit, I feel Sea-Tac management and the Port Commissioners made the right decision. I do not feel they should change their decision at this time and may the offending rabbi suffer the consquences.

Put the trees back up ! Maybe the Rabbi's hat is on a bit to tight or is that the Grinch .

The hypocritical anti-semites are angry because it was a rabbi who started this by asking that a Menorah be placed with the pagan trees - yet if the ACLU would have been behind it, the same whiners and complainers would be cheering the ACLU on.

My wife hails from New York City. We are Catholic. We have a Menorah. Why? Well, because Chist was Jewish, not Christian. We also follow through before the Easter Mass by celebrating Passover. What do you think "The Last Supper" was? In New York, a place often considered as 'brutish' and 'crass', all five airports in the local area have HOLIDAY trees, Menorahs, Kwaanza displays, and, many include Nativity scenes. My father-in-laws next door neighbors are Americans, who faithfully practice the Hebrew faith. They include a Chanakah Tree, which is decorated with white and blue lights, and is topped by the Star of David.

When we arrived in the Pacific Northwest, we were suprised to find out how intolerant of other people's views and faith that this supposed 'free-thinking' state really is. Yes, SEA-TAC was a Grinch for removing the trees. But the Rabbi was just as Grinchy to threaten a lawsuit. Wouldn't a better idea be to come together with other local leaders (religeous and otherwise) and suggest to the people who use SEA-TAC every day/week/month to pressure the Airport Commissioners to add Holiday Cheer from MANY Holidays, instead of forcing their hand and taking away ALL Holiday Cheer? How much stronger would the statement have been to see a Rabbi, a Priest, a Minister, a Cleric, a Leader of the African American community, and a few other government leaders all asking for diverse displays. Lawyers always seem to quash diversity, to homogenize life.

So bring back the trees. Decorate one of them in Blue and White, and throw on some dredel ornaments. Top it with a Star of David. Set up a Nativity Scene. Put up a Kwaanza display. Add a 'better later than never' Ramadan display. Make a Yule-Log and Winter Solstice display, and have a local Wiccan Coven sanctify it.

Don't decry the actions of SEA-TAC if you're not willing to TRUELY share the Holiday spirit. Don't cry out for the First Admendment and 'One Nation Under God' unless you realize it means EVERYONES religeous freedoms, and EVERYONES view of God (or Goddess, or lack of God).

the trees are down leave them down send a message to the people that started this

The Christmas tree has nothing whatsoever to do with Christ or Christianity, history shows Christ wasn't even born in December. It's just another one of the many pagen traditions that were usurped by the Church to ease the conversion of the masses.
Put the tree up and call it a 'holiday tree', problem solved.

I think people need something to spend their time on instead of all the knit picking that goes on. Grow up.

I am amazed by how many pagans claim to be Christians and are begging for their fertility symbols to be put up.

The christmass tree is a pagan phallic symbol and has NOTHING to do with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) G-d calls the pagan symbols and celebrations an ABOMINATION. christmass is pagan and it is evil.

I am amazed by how many pagans claim to be Christians and are begging for their fertility symbols to be put up.

The christmass tree is a pagan phallic symbol and has NOTHING to do with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) G-d calls the pagan symbols and celebrations an ABOMINATION. christmass is pagan and it is evil.

What kind of country are we becoming? Now it's Christmas trees. Before, it was "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". I think people are becoming a bit to critical these days.

I think the Port of Seattle did the only sensible thing to do when threatened with a lawsuit. That is, remove the offending item and save the taxpayers the price of a FRIVOLOUS trial. The good Rabbi seems puzzled by the ports' decision for some reason. Well, he got what he wanted, no Christmas Tree on display. And people look at me oddly since I have amended my Christmas greeting to "Merry Christmas, and I don't care who it offends." So be it.
jim in Alger

I think it's rediculous of Seatac to remove the Christmas trees. First of all the Christmas tree has nothing to do with Christ or religion; secondly Christmas is a nationally recognized holiday while Hanukka is not.

That Rabbi who complained needs to get a life! You won't find me protesting the mall because they won't put Jesus on the cross next to the Easter bunny.

Keep the pagan phallic symbols (ie: christmass trees) and the pagan worship of ba-al's birth (ie christmass) out of the united states. The pagans have been ruling the united states long enough (claiming to be christians to fool the less educated and gullible fools) now is the time to turn back to G-d and worship Him HIS way instead of the way of the pagans.

G-d is NOT pleased when people incorporate paganism in with the worship of Him (see Ezekiel chapter 8 and Jeremiah chapter 10)

Is this really what it has come to? A religious dispute because members of the evergreen state want to put decorated evergreens indoors? This is not religious, it's just celebrating the wonderful feelings in the air around christmastime the way we have for years, get over it.

Diversity-

The operative concept in the word above is to divide. Rather than accepting others and their beliefs, modern day "diversity" polarizes people from each other rather than accepting and celebrating their differences. Instead of focusing on the joy, fun and beauty of the holiday season we can only see how commercial, divided and selfish we as a community can be.

A stone was thrown into the pond by one man and the ripples became a tsunami that affected us all. Rather than stand fast and weather the storm, the Port gave up rather than give in. So now we all suffer.

I do not believe that a single act defines a person, for good or for ill. So I offer my prayers and forgiveness to the Rabbi. In spite of what his act has brought to the region, I wish us all the ability to show the charitable qualities of the holiday season to him and to others. Regardless of what faith you believe in, the concept is the same for all. BE GOOD TO ONE ANOTHER.

Merry Christmas.

Jeremiah 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Jeremiah 10:3 For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jeremiah 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Jeremiah 10:5 They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.

I am a resident of this USA. (natural).
I believe that the primary residents of this country is and was founded on Christian ethics.
I believe that all residents of this country that are new to the country, nautralized, have been prepared to accept our basic foundations i.e. Christianity, this is our country and I believe that we have the right celebrate God and our Lord and the birth of Christ.

The Christmas tradition is not how much you can spend on others, rather the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you come from other ethnic backgrounds feel free to celebrate the holidays in whatever way you want, we want that for you, but do not come to this country and try to alter the foundations that this country was founded on.

Christ is the reason for the season!

We invite you to celebrate this sacred time with us.

God Bless you and may God give you peace and happiness.

Richard

DANM RIGHT! This is another perfect point of THE MINORITY RULING THE MAJORITY. This is why we are a society of running to court to get answers that should be done by talking. Most of the judges don’t have the time nor the ability to make decisions about such a petty issue.

Where is the "good will" that the angels were singing about??? What I've been able to gather from the news is that the Rabbi submitted his request way back in October. It seems that the only way to get someone's attention now-a-days is to threaten a lawsuit. I think the Port of Seattle is on the verge of another "Holy War" - Christians and Jews harboring ill will toward each other as a result of this action. Put both the trees and the Menorah back up as quickly as possible.

It has come to this, wow!. Most of the cultures around the world put up a Tree for new year too. May be this rabbi would not approve that too.
It is almost funny.

Trees should not be removed due to a personal offense. If you truly have a respect for other people and their relions, you should be hapy to see it expressed. My family doesnt celebrate christmas, but yet we are always happy to see the trees, and how people enjoy them so much.
Happy Holidays to everyone, no matter what your belief is! -Mike

Dismantling America due to fear of the past. These are the best times in the history of this country. Maybe it’s a good idea to throw away what have grown to be known as American traditions. It’s very P.C. to admit your fear. To the rest of the universe, it’s an embarrassment.

What am I missing? The issue was to decide to place a Menorah next to a Christmas tree. What's the problem? Not enough room for a Menorah? Doubt it! Do I think SeaTac should reconsider its decision to remove the Christmas trees? OF COURSE! Put them back - put Menorahs and whatever else represents other faiths alongside. Again, what's the problem? I seriously do not understand how this got taken to such an extreme. Perhaps I don't know all the information?

even thow im a kid i still think that ther should be a Christmas tree.

i mean come on its "Christmas"

Most you self-proclaimed christians get more upset over christmas trees than you do global warming. What is wrong with you?

this is rediculous, lets just call it the money tree and everone will be happy, thats all christmas is getting to be-shopping and spending money-its not the old-fashioned christmas we use to have with all the christmas music in the stores and everyone saying MERRY CHRISTMAS to each other.

Hi, I think it is not fair!
Whoever go to work, the company give us one dayoff work with pay! If whoever dont beleive christmas, they should go to work on holiday!
Also, we all repect to hannukah! Why complain!

Oh christmas tree!

Doesn't it strike anyone as odd, that a state which just supplied a "Christmas tree" to our nations capital, is now denying their own citizens a right to enjoy at least one in their very own airport?

Gina Miller
24, Puyallup

Thanks NWCN for pointing out that Christmas trees were once a pagan symbol going back even to before pagan Rome. Should Christmas trees be removed from public places like airports and government buildings? If so, then should we also chisel off all the pagan zodiacs that are featured on the buildings of our nation's capitol, the architectural style of which comes from the pagan Roman Empire? Should we remove the pagan statuary from our publicly funded museums? Should we stop teaching Homer and the Iliad and the other great pagan works of literature that explain the Olympic gods and godesses as part of the required foundations of modern public education, and instead teach the Christian bible? I think not.

I don't really care because you "Do Gooders" make me stand outside in the rain to smoke a cigarette. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to see someone slam your personal choices.

That's enough!!!!!Put those CHRISTMAS TREES back up and sue that rabbi for the expense!Go back to Isreal,JERK!!!!!!!!!

When did common sense take a backseat to one radical’s opinion? There are many things in this world that offend me; I didn’t realize all I had to do was threaten to sue and they would all be taken away. Trying to appease everyone will only result in offending more people (case in point). The trees aren’t hurting ANYONE; put them back up and move on to the next topic.

It seems that many people here are unsympathetic to those who do not celebrate Christmas (people of non-Christian faiths and some atheists). Put yourself in our shoes. Imagine living in a land where the presence of a holiday you don't celebrate is so overwhelming that it makes you feel alienated. In America, we are supposed to be free to hold any belief system, and embracing our nation's religious diversity helps us to become a more tolerant, open-minded society. I appreciate the beauty of a Christmas tree even though I do not believe in celebrating Christmas, and I hope that those who do celebrate it will come to realize that other faiths have wonderful traditions, too. The issue shouldn't be whether or not to have a Christmas tree; it should be whether to have a Christmas tree and symbols of other faiths or no religious symbols at all. Personally, I'm fine with either option, so long as people of all belief systems are treated equally.

NWCN, you're not asking the right question, because you haven't included the possibility of returning the tree with a menorah or other religious symbols.

Well I thik this is going a bit to far a Christmas tree is a decorated tree some people put in there homes its not like it is a way of living or a religious symbol ITS A DECORATED TREE so get over it RESPECT ALL RELIGIONS and there are christmas trees everywhere one more will not kill I KNOW A MILLION PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT CHRISTIANS THAT OWN CHRISTMAS TREES trust me its not a big deal so don't kill each other about it!!!!!!!!:O <3

I just saw the guy on Fox with Bill O'Reilly and the lawsuit was never mentioned. Rabbi Boqomilsky presented himself as a victim. What a joke. But just to be on the safe side, my wife and I plan on calling a contractor to come out and cut down all the evergreen trees in our yard. We can't afford to have Rabbi Boqomilsky drive through our neighborhood and become offended.

Decorations are too expensive. We cannot afford to pay every man of the cloth to put up decorations. If being a rabbi was really valid employment he wouldn't be trying to sell decorations to a public facility.
Since he was also trying to employ his Jewish lawyer friends at $500 an hour at public expense, why don't we all just not put up a tree or
spend any money and tell the kids the Jews wouldn't allow Christmas trees this year?

The good old USA was founded by Christians. They openly invited anyone to come here for more freedoms. The catch? You have to allow everyone to practice thier own religious beliefs. This also comes with a price. You're not allowed to interfere with the beliefs of others! If you don't like the way a Christian founded nation is being run, then go find a country that already agrees with your beliefs, or ignore what you don't like about it.

Don't contribute to the degradation of our country's morals. They're already bad enough without the help.

Put the trees back!

So the young Rabbi doesn't like to celebrate the supposed Birthday of the planets' most famous Jew? Perhaps we should put up a big ol' banner with the Rabbi's home address,& phone number, so we may thank him properly. Perhaps this will serve as an example to all those that would screw with this Holiday ever again. Seatac;leave the trees down. We know that the Airport does not have the resourses to accomidate all the symbols of all the faiths representitive of this time of year. To believe so is insane. So tough luck Rabbi, you were born Jewish. The rest of us weren't. You got screwed out of a good Holiday, don't screw with ours, you mahsugahnah schmuck! Did you get the attention you wanted now? There are people dying right now to insure that we have the right to argue these, and other points. There are millions of people dying right now across the planet for a heck of a lot less. Is this the best the American People can do? Get a freakin' grip already!

Take a few trees over to the rabbis temple and light them up!

Since Seatac is an international airport, I would LOVE to see displays of holidays from countries throughout the world, religious or not. It would be something very interesting and educational to observe while waiting. I am a Christian but do not find it offensive to experience religious symbols of other beliefs. Our world is getting smaller every day. We need to be more tolerant of one another.

Baby Jesus was born on Christmas day
That is why we call him Christ.
He was circumsized on his 8th day of life.
That is now called New Years Day.
His mother, the virgin, bought a tree from 3 wise guys
to celebrate his birth. That is why we call it a Christmas tree.
Seatac should not have gone scared of a law suit.
They could have hired a Jewish lawyer. What else?
Shame ,shame on this silly rabbi.
It makes me want to visit the Jews for Cheeses.

I do not blame SeaTac for removing the trees, lawsuit is not worth the pain, YES I am disgusted more than I can write here, it is no wonder so many hate Israel when they have such fools represent them. What an example that rabbi is !!

My calendar indicates Dec 25th as Christmas and it is national holiday. Until that changes, Christmas trees should stay. And frankly, I don't mind Hanukka either. And didn't we just have a USPS stamp commemorating an Islamic holiday? Political correctness has been carried too far when a manager thinks removing Christmas trees is an answer to anything. He should have allowed the menohra.

Don't put the trees back up. Let the whole situation emphasize what a jerk the rabbi is. Had he asked for a Jewish symbol, he probably would have gotten one. But to threaten a suit? Again, what a jerk.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Last I checked we are in America. The vast majority of us speak the english language fluently, and enjoy religious freedoms. Over the last few years we have put aside the very things this country was founded on in order to please the influx of immigrants from any number of countries in the name of political correctness. It is time for another Boston Tea Party of sorts, this is America our traditions have developed over the years whether religiously based or not, this is our country. If you don't like our practices try another country and see if they jump to your whims and put their tests in foriegn languages to accomodate you, or publish instructions and voice mails in 2-3 different languages. Only in America are such accomodations made. I say the buck stops here. The official language of the United States should be English and if you don't like our traditions go back where you came from.

The evergreen tree is not a religious symbol, but the menorah is. It would be more appropriate to place a nativity scene next to the menorah. Now the govenor announces there will be both a Christmas tree and a menorah at the state capital. I didn't know it was okay to display religious symbols at the state captial.

How dare anyone try to destroy what this country was founded on!! This is The United States Of America! We speak English in this country, We pledge allegiance to our flag, and we celebrate Christmas because it is an American tradition!

Has the Grinch left the building. Shame on the PORT for bowing down so quickly. My question is why is the Port allowing this man to wander the airport looking for Christmas trees if he has no business being there.

What a self serving person. In what way have we represed him or his beliefs? If he doesn't like what he looks at then either don't look or don't go into a private business and try to force them into your beliefs. There are much more pressing matters out there that worrying that some airport has not represented his religion. SEATAC is not forcing there views on anybody, they are NOT trying to convert all who merge upon the airport. If you don't like christmas than move or go back to whence you came, a place that may not celebrate christmas. We did not ask him to come live over here, he was given the gracious opprotuinty by our government to live in our wonderful free country. He was NOT forced to convert his beliefs to our beliefs when he or his family became citizens of this country. He can continue to live his relgion in our country if he so pleases, but DON'T go trying to convert our country that was founded on a Christian faith. Our country is a contry meant to serve those in need, Gods children, not give into theire every little whim and whimper. Those who came here left there countries becuase they felt that they would escape the difficult circumstances they were facing, and we allowed them to come into our country to escape the persecution, which we beleive no person should suffer, the very duty of a christian person. Now some, not all, want to turn the tables and use every leverage they have to get what they feel is equal treatment. We don't go to his country and try to forcefully get our way just because we don't agree with the way they do things. They would put us in jail and tell us to shut the hell up.

I love the comments by other Jewish people who denounce this act and do not support this person in his goals. This man (just my guess) has brought shame to many a Jew and has set a bad example of what most Jews are like and he is getting the limelight for doing so. Judging a people based on the acts of one person doesn't fairly represent the group nor the church to which they belong.

In the end, if SEATAC is a publicly run company, they should not give in to his request(threat), especially if they believe what they are doing is right. STAND FIRM in what you beleive SEATAC, if you don't then you have set an example for others to follow. You have done nothing wrong and you have not hurt anyone buy displaying christmas trees. If you allow this to happen then were does this end. Why doesn't he just go for the throat of our country by asking every household to not display any kind of decorations, no matter how small, outside of their house. Do not give into this self righteous individual (or Orgainization). Our courts are starting to fail the very thing they are supposed to uphold. This is another tool in the enemies (selfish, non-tolerant people) arsenal to get their way.

If the he doesn't like the fact that we believe in GOD then maybe we should pay him is peas, instead of US Dollars. I bet he would object to that. Anyways, I'm sure I could go on but I only have so much time, and better things to do with it (unlike this fellow).

May peace and happiness reign this season. May families be blessed and proteteced by the almighty hand of our lord and creator. And may he reign over this land that he has established in these latter days, a land of freedom from relgious persecution and a safe haven for those who are afflicted. It is the people that have gone after there own self righteous acts that ruin it for those of us who live tolerant and happy lives.

Rabbi Boqomilsk,

FYI - I have solved your problem. It is illegal in the country of Saudi Arabia to display a Christmas tree. Even though they support the destruction of Isreal, its sounds like heaven on earth for you. Just wanted to let you know there is a flight leaving SEATAC tomorrow morning for Dhahran. Go quickly before Washington State public officials side with the majority and put the Christmas trees back up.

Sincerely,

The Majority

PS Out of curiousity, what religious persuasion is your attorney?

it's very hard to understand how a small percentage of population with the help of the CLU lawyers can and is telling us what's acceptable. Why is airport at Seattle is taking down all the Christmas trees because of one man? My advice to this person is to leave this country and he won't see the Christmas trees. I served in the armed forces to protect our so call rights and now a few persons are saying that it does't matters because they have rights and, what we don't? How long are we the American people going to take this, we already lost the right to use the name of GOD as it offends people who don't beleive in GOD. Put the trees back up and tell those who don't like it to look the other way or go to another country.

Brilliant quote! If you missed it, read it again...

Decorations are too expensive. We cannot afford to pay every man of the cloth to put up decorations. If being a rabbi was really valid employment he wouldn't be trying to sell decorations to a public facility.
Since he was also trying to employ his Jewish lawyer friends at $500 an hour at public expense, why don't we all just not put up a tree or
spend any money and tell the kids the Jews wouldn't allow Christmas trees this year?

If the governor is going to display a menorah at the state capitol, she might want to hang a swastika as well. The Swastika is a well-know good-luck symbol from India. Unfortunately, it is too well known in the west, as the Nazis chose it as their main symbol. In Sanskrit, swastika means "conducive to well-being". In the Buddhist tradition, the swastika symbolizes the feet or footprints of the Buddha and is often used to mark the beginning of texts. Modern Tibetan Buddhism uses it as a clothing decoration. With the spread of Buddhism, it has passed into the iconography of China and Japan where it has been used to denote plurality, abundance, prosperity and long life.

(In India, Hindus use the swastika to mark the opening pages of account books, thresholds, doors, and offerings, the right-hand swastika is a solar symbol and the left-hand version represents Kali and magic. Among the Jains it is the emblem of their seventh Tirthankara. Other uses of the symbol: in ancient Mesopotamia it was a favourite symbol on coinage, In Scandinavia it was the symbol for the god Thor's hammer. In early Christian art it was called the gammadion cross because it was made of four gammas. It is also found in Mayan and Navajo art.)

Being honorably discharged from the AirForce I would ask has the country forgotten what's on our currency. "In God We Trust" If our forefathers founded this country on this, Are we smarter than them? Put the trees back up and celebrate christ's birthday!

Peace on earth will not exist as long as there are different religions. The only true religion would be agnosticism. To believe anything as truth that can't be proven is evil (faith). It doesn't matter what you or I think. What is, is what matters, and that can be the only religion allowed on earth, or someday soon the living will envy the dead. Evolve or perish. Sincerely God

Well.......,I am Jewish, and I would like the Xmas Trees to be returned to their originally places as before. Whatever happened to all the Judeo-Christian and the "Jews for Jesus" and all that business? Put back the Xmas trees and let us Jewish people put up a Menorah. Would could it hurt?? We all want to be together. Just take a look at what you are showing on TV about the Holocaust. You people that want to take this all away should be ashamed from yourselves.
This whole thing should NEVER have been started and my being a Jew, I say please let everyone be and remember that this is supposed to be a society for free speech and actions and religion and I ask you to please reconsider and let us all get along together.
SHALOM

The evergreen tree is not a religious symbol but a menorah is.

I am so tired of seeing the lack of courage business leaders display in the face of petty PC complaints and threatened lawsuits. I was saddened therefore when I heard of the Port's decision to ban Christmas trees at Sea-Tac.

As the pastor of a Church, however, I want to weigh in with the observation that Christmas trees are not even "Christian" per se; they represent a variety of European cultural traditions that people in our country have embraced as part of the way in which we celebrate the winter holidays.

I do not think therefore that the Port's decision to remove the trees from the airport is an affront to MY faith. So I have no beef with them there. But I AM offended by their lack of resolve to do what you should be free to do in this country - and that is celebrate Christmas in the way in which they see fit.

I am afraid that the Port's example of buckling in to PC trash talk will lead other businesses to following thier cowardly example. And that would be the biggest shame of all.

Yours truly,

viewer
Normandy Park

The jewish people as well as budhists and all others should thank our forefathers for their right to excersise their religion in this country! SAY " God Bless America!! Put The Trees Back Up!!

It seems to be the answer to adult problems, "I'm going to sue you if I don't get my way!" The airport and any other place should be able to display holiday items in any manner that they want to without being threatened!

I think the port of Seattle ( sea-tac ) did the right think and should not back down.
I am tired of other cultures and religions trying to dictate what christian Americans can and can not do. we do not try to intervene in their cultures and brliefs. MERRY CHRISRMAS.

Rumor has it that the Rabbi Boqomilsk is going to sue SEATAC if they don't remove every lower-case "t" from every sign in the airport unless a Yiddish equivalent is added. His lawyer states that the "t" reminds him of a the cross which causes Rabbi Boqomilsk an unmeasurable amount of guilt. Praise Mel Gibson.

THe Christmas tree is a tradition first of Germany then continued by the US. It is not a Christian symbol. The nativity scene, or a cross are the more typical and traditional Christian symbols. The governor should not display any, or she must correctly display all representations of faith. The nativity has already been banned, so must all other religious symbols. Again the tree, and Santa, snowman, are secular symbols.

I am sorry that so much hatefullness and negativity has been displayed at all, I really think the Jewish man that brought up the trees was not correctly informed about the Christian faith and symbols thereof. He ought to get another lawyer the next time he tries to make a point.

Merry Christmas to all.

The ACLU says "jump" and the Seattle liberals ask "how high?" Meanwhile my granddaughters are being denied their cultural heritage. I am moving to a red state where traditional values are upheld.

Since when did a tree stand for something religious? Is that why we are losing all of our forests? Or is it just the lights that make it religious? Lets get our heads out of our rears and remember that it is just a tree with some decorations. There is nothing religious about it. Last I checked we are the country that protects ALL religions, and accepts everyone. Somebody turn on "It's a Wonderful Life" please so that we can be reminded what the holiday season is about.

Christmas trees have been a big part of all my 71 years. Our country was founded on Christianity. It is time we Christians started a law suit to preserve our country & our God given rights, to keep our country ,"One Nation Under God," in spite of who it offends. Shame on the Rabbi! Did he think his stupidity would make him popular. Leave the Christmas decorations up as they have been for years. Our country needs no apologies nor should care who is offended. Stand up for our constitution and defend it.

Christmas trees have been a big part of all my 71 years. Our country was founded on Christianity. It is time we Christians started a law suit or our to preserve our God given rights, to keep our country ,"One Nation Under God," in spite of who it offends. Shame on the Rabbi! Did he think his stupidity would make him popular. Leave the Christmas decorations up as they have been for years. Our country needs no apologies nor should care who is offended. Stand up for our constitution and defend it.

I would like to see another aspect to the Xmas tree issue... Seatac is one thing, but I would like to see this story extended to the Microsoft campus... I've fought the same battle on the Microsoft campus, where there is a lot of anti-semitism. I work on the campus for a vendor, ABM. At the time I had a conflict with my employer, I wrote down the details:
An individual (NOT Jewish) that works in the ABM office was kind enough to put up Chanukah decorations in the ABM office, in addition to the Christmas tree and decorations; only to be ordered to immediately remove them by Florence Turkette. I contacted Ms. Turkette, who told me, “In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with having a Christmas tree in the office”, and she further stated, “We’re not going to make a big deal of this, because it’s not a big deal”. (If this is the attitude expressed by a Human Resources representative, who is responsible for investigating discrimination complaints, then I think she is in the wrong position, as she is obviously quite biased). I was later called into the office to speak with Ms. Turkette and Mr. Michael Sowder, at which time I was told, “The tree will be staying, because we can have the tree”. I explained to Mr. Sowder that my issue was not with the tree being there, but the issue was that the Chanukah decorations were removed. Mr. Sowder told me the reason for that was that the tree has nothing to do with any religion and that Chanukah does. He told me that the tree was simply something for everyone to look at and think of the holiday season, and feel good. My comments to Mr. Sowder and Ms. Turkette are as follows: I asked Mr. Sowder; If that tree has nothing to do with any religion, then could he please tell me how many Jews and Muslims have a Christmas tree up in their home now? His slow-coming, hesitant answer was, “Uh… I don’t know”. My response was, “That would be zero – because it’s a Christian symbol for a Christian holiday”. Furthermore, I pointed out that from the perspective of, “We can have the tree” – there are a lot of things in this world that I can do, but out of respect and sensitivity for others, I refrain from doing so. I added that another employee had stated that he felt it is “inconsiderate and disrespectful of other people to have that tree in the office”; and this statement came from a Christian employee. Finally, I addressed the very important comment of “it’s not a big deal” by Ms. Turkette. I stated that her comment was very rude and disrespectful, because, 1) she is saying, in essence, that only what she considers to be “a big deal” is important, and what I think or feel is of no importance, and 2) by that comment, she then just reduced six million of my murdered ancestors to being “not a big deal”. As I explained to her, it is symbols just like that tree, which have been the excuse for situations such as the holocaust. While Mr. Sowder may look at that tree and have warm holiday thoughts, others look at that tree, and have thoughts of persecution and extermination, simply because they would not assimilate, and bow to the pressure to accept such symbols as their own. The end result of my discussion with Mr. Sowder and Ms. Turkette was that I was told in a patronizing manner that next year, a more neutral theme would be considered, however, the tree was staying, and the Chanukkah decorations would not be allowed. (A footnote on the subject: Mr. Sowder made a comment about being able to do the same as the Governor (having a tree)… and, so, he may be interested in knowing that there will be a Chanukah menorah on public display at the state capitol, fully approved by the Governor).
Also, there are Xmas trees all over the Microsoft campus, and when any suggestion is made about putting up a menorah, it is met with dirty looks and rude comments.

Regarding NWCN's segment on Definitions of "Christmas Tree":
NWCN's job is to report the news, not get involved in this argument by looking up the term "Christmas tree" in order to prove Xmas trees are secular. What about presenting all sides? Your lack of neutrality is really shocking, NWCN. When emotional issues come up,
your station is really one of the worst for being biased. This was really true for NWCN in the early days of the Iraq war. You were blatantly and thoughtlessly pro-war, and lacked professional neutrality in your journalism.

Elazar,

I should hope you are an educated man being that you are a Rabbi. However, you fail to understand that a tree has no religous conections. Only conections to that of "holidays" which is merely commercial. Minoras have concrete "religious" conections that would be offensive to quite a lot of people including myself. Your suggestion of placing minora by the lighted tree brings another word to mind "hypocrite". Kids.... "always remember if something doesnt go your way threaten a lawsuit"

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch,
You're a nasty wasty skunk,
Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk, Mr. Grinch,

Yedida... Maybe you as well are lacking in education. What sides are to be presented its clear one symbol is religious and one is not. Dont change the subject by talking about war. On second thought lets talk about war your people seem so great at starting them. Your upset because your people cant control this segment of the media?

This was a letter sent to the Seattle PI. and I hope that they publish it.

Upon reading, “Christmas trees removed at Sea-Tac” I am thoroughly disgusted with this war on this season that is supposed to be one of celebration and renewal. With so many wars raging on that are taking the lives on human beings overseas in the Middle East, can’t we at least have this season to call a truce? I for one am sick of the political correctness that has taken hold of this country. When someone exhibits a Christmas tree it is not that they are pushing their beliefs over someone else’s and the same can be said of the Menorah. When someone expresses Merry Christmas to a non-Christian it is not that they are being rude, but expressing a positive attitude and wishing that person good will and peace. If these people were to express this outrage towards the war in Iraq to their congressional members instead of picking on Christmas trees, we would all benefit from it. After all, would God approve of the killings of innocent people? We have got to get our priorities straight.

Sincerely,

Mary MacElveen

The controversy surrounding the Christmas trees in Seatac airport brought about when a Rabbi asked that the Menorah be added to the Christmas decors is funny and at the same time, pathetic. The Rabbi had absolutely no reason nor right to ask that the menorah be part of Christmas decorations in the airport anymore than Christians asking the Jews to have Christmas trees during Hanukkah when they display the menorah. Christmas is not a GENERIC holiday. It is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The menorah has no place in it. The removal of the trees at SEATAC only demonstrates that the management is spineless in resisting an obviously faulty demand by the Rabbi because they are ignorant of the significance of Christmas and what it symbolizes for Christians,
the birth of Jesus Christ.

AVELINO REYRAO, MD
RENTON

The new residents that are moving to our Country say they come here because they love America and what it stands for. Then, when they get here they try to change our traditions, customs, and heritage. These are the very things that have made our Country great. I think the Rabbi should forget this issue and just relax and rent a movie. I suggest, "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE", with Jimmy Stewart.

There was no room in the inn either.

The port of Seattle should NOT reconsider it's decision to remove the Christmas trees. I'm going to take mine down too and put Christmas away. Nobody gets along any more. Nothing is good enough for anybody any more. Everybody is offended and all I ever see is negative interaction between mankind. There is not enough good to overcome all the religious tension in this world. I give up.

There was never a Christmas tree in my church, or at least not one I remember. There were plenty of mangers, baby Jesus, wise men and stars over Bethlehem.

In our home the Christmas tree and Santa Claus had nothing to do with these things. Some of my family was not religious at all, though we celebrated Christmas together listening to all kinds of music, though nary a dreidel amongst them. I'm sure there are many others who don't connect the Xmas tree to a religious celebration. I'm not sure this is true for the menorah, however.

Appreciation to the SeaTac officials and how the matter was and is being handled.

The second comment on this list makes some good points and I wish her and hers a very happy Chanukah, Christmas and/or any other celebration they choose.

Christmas has always been an American tradition for my family since I can remember, and before, from what I've heard. It does not need to signify religious adherence, and I welcome any American to find it a part of their life without feeling the pressures of religious dogma.

May the God, deity or lack there of, hold your convictions, watch over you and all yours this Holiday Season and throughout the upcoming year.

In Peace (with a few lumps of coal - you know who you are)

The United States is made up of a variety of cultures, which is one of the reasons why people immigrate here. The US was founded because people were looking for religious freedom. If this country is about differences, freedom, and democracy, why can't there be a Christmas tree in an airport? Why do the minorities get first priority? What makes them better than us? In a democracy, majority is supposed to win. So why does one Jewish man get to decide weather Christian families can see a tree?

What ever became of majority rule? Jews comprise less than three percent of the American population? Why does the majority allow itself to be pushed around by a minority that it outnumbers 97:3? What would happen if a priest or minister insisted on erecting a Christmas tree in the heart of Tel Aviv International Airport? Do you think he would live to tell about it?

"I do not see the Christmas Tree as a representative of a Christian Holiday, but rather as a symbol of American tradition."

I am so glad to see this in one of the first posts here. And, even more glad to see the trees going back up again.

BUT, political correctness has gone too far in this country. Christmas is Christmas is Christmas and a winter holiday with family, food, snow, and gifts. There is nothing (at least not any longer) "Christian" (=religious) about it. The tree is a winter tradition that stems out of Germany, cheerished by millions of people around the globe.

The Rabbi is unfortunately making all the Jews "stand out" and people will only get even more upset at them by his (perceived) actions. Most Jews (as well as Arabs, Indians, Italians, Hindus, Georgians, Russians, Tahitians, you name it...) are good and honest people that just want to get on with their lives. When "sprititual" or political leaders speak out on behalf of a larger group "with their best interest in mind", it all goes to hell.

At least this year we will get the trees back and I hope the airport will put ONLY trees up next year as well!
There is no need to be 100% accurate and 100% considerate all the time!

- Christmas is Christmas is Christmas -

It is amazing how easily threatened and angry,
how predjudiced against Jews, Muslims, etc., some of the above folks have been. Both Christians and Jews feel protective of their cultures and have a hard time accepting the other.
Let's see some evidence that Christians are tolerant people. Tolerant of others' mistakes and wishes.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! How lovely are your branches. I just want to say thank you for putting the trees back up.
The Jewish Rabbi made an error and I forgive him. Besides he reminds me of my young son who threatened to run away if I didn't let him have his own way. Well, he didn't get his own way. And Benjamin, my son, mother loves you very much. I wish you could be here with your family for Christmas. The Good Lord keep you safe. Amen!

TO THE ABOVE PERSON:

TOLERANCE IS FOR PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY MAKE MISTAKES, NOT PEOPLE WHO USE THE COURT SYTEMS OR MAKE THREATS TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING TO THEM, JUST SO THEY CAN HAVE THEIR WAY.

Well done, NWCN -- you and the rest of the "mainstream media" have successfully found a wedge issue to help whip up hatred and anger just in time for the holiday season. So who was the brilliant individual/producer there at NWCN who recognized this as a great story that would generate controversy and help elevate viewer ratings? S/he should be commended for his/her eye for controversy. No one else is saying it, so I'll lay this whole debacle right at your feet, NWCN. It's YOU who are at fault in pursuit of so-called "news", who whip up all this controversy.

This time of year is celebrated by all cultures. The airport is also used by all these cultures and should depict the wide diversity that our country represents. Why not add all the symbols instead of just one or two. Let celibrate the differences as well.

NWCN,

Thankyou for presenting the facts on this issue. I think it is unfortunate that networks such as Fox immediately sided with the rabbi failing to share with their audience the fact that the rabbi and his group threatened to sue the citizens of Washington state if SEATAC failed to put up a Jewish religious symbol.

I'm glad to see the Port putting the trees back up. If they had only thought before they reacted maybe they could have saved some time and money in this whole situation. How many years has the trees been there before one person made a fuss about it???

SEATAC is funded by the public. When the rabbi threatened to sue a government entity in which my tax dollars help fund, I take it personally. Jewish religious symbols and icons have no place in our airports, schools, or goverment buildings.

The guy on your news, just reported they are putting up HOLIDAY TREES, instead of our CHRISTMAS TREES!
News wasn't always so blatantly a form of entertainment, as you see it now days. At one very short time, back in American history, you could turn on the news, and expect un-biased and honest reporting. It was actually a requirement. Un-fortunately, this did not last long. To circumvent the competition, tools such as slanting the news, out and out lying, and imaginative word use are in play these days, once again! Think Mis-direction.

Others with different agendas have since bought up a lot of newspapers, and new stations in the US. With all these changes in ownership, policies have also changed.

Nowadays it is both politically acceptable, and better to keep the ratings up high, or so they believe.

Honest and un-biased reporting is no longer esteemed of any value, and is actually considered detrimental to the ratings. A lot of this is due, to the citizens that would rather hear a lie, then the truth, and the belief that if they keep saying certain words long enough, they will become true.

I must admit, it is hard to find a news station on T.V. that I can trust. Of course I watch them too, and try and read between the lines, seeking for some truth. This is not always easy to do, since I so distrust what they are saying

The hate mongering first started politically in the US, it has since gone on to change its target at various times in its history. From the Native Americans, to the Blacks, to the Jews, and various other religious and racial groups. These days, as in the times of the Romans, it is the Christians! At a certain point this will change, and they will choose another new target, as a scapegoat, or maybe one of the past ones?

In the meantime, certain citizens in the US, will ride on coat tails of this hate, and be supportive of it. Just as the bigots, and gay bashers, and extreamist have in the past.

In the US, they have used all the below media to support their personal beliefs at the time. Writers, News reporters, and movies, and TV.

Think back, all of you old enough. Where did you hear and read of constant derogatory terms pointing at certain ethnic, and religious, and political groups? Why it was books, movies and TV. And when the news supported any of these stands, politically, racially, or in any religious creed, they applied very imaginative word use, to slant truth, in order to support and manipulate the various beliefs in place at the time.

When it was no longer popular to take a certain stand in their beliefs. Then they would TRANSFER the fault to lie on the doorsteps of other groups, or political, and religious organizations,as being their entire fault!

Remember instead of honesty, think political correctness. After all honesty has no value in journalism or our way of life these days. Too hard to manipulate someone’s way of thinking, if your honest.

Merry Holidays and here is hoping your Holiday Trees all look cheerful, and bright! Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it? Oh well, I guess we will get use to it.

Also hoping this new Political Correctness (lying) does not bring the US to its demise. Personally, I think it is sinking much like the Titanic.

The US Declaration of Independence it had a nice ring to it, pursuit of happiness, religious freedom and all! Too bad others just won’t let it happen.

This entire thing about the Christmas trees is crazy! Why is it that if it offends one person, years of tradition must be thrown out the window?
The word Christ does appear in the word Christmas, should we now take out the letters CHRIST and have December 25th known as "mas". Then someone will object to the word "mas". Let's go one step further. Why do we call the airport SEATAC? Some may be offended to use the first three letters of two cities (Seattle and Tacoma) and give that acronym as an airport name. After all, not everyone who lives in Seattle and Tacoma wants to fly, thus, using their respectively cities' names as an airport name if offensive! Ridiculous? Certainly, but why not, the whole world has gone crazy with this political correctness baloney!

Time to re-read the Declaration of Independence. We are given the right to pursue happiness not the guarantee that we will be happy. The rabbi was in no means fighting for religious freedom, he was suing for monetary gain. Please don’t label those who disagree with the rabbi has “hate mongers”. The last time I checked, we still do have freedom of speech.

I'm offended by people who wear silly hats.

RabbiT,

you bombed baby, move to Iran, see if they accept your candle holders (menora) in their airport!!

What kind of attorney sees dollar signs by challenging Christmas trees also known as "Hannukah bushes"?
No Grinch will take joy out of our hearts this holiday season.
When the Rabbi says he's "appalled", he should look in the mirror.

Since when is an Evergreen tree a religous symbol? If we were to put up Manger scenes in public places, THAT would be a statement of Christian belief, as a Menorah is of the Jewish faith.
I applad the Commissioners for taking down the tree rather than face the threat of a law suit (for HEAVENs sake!!) The Rabi approched this in a very unGod-like manner. If anyone is offended by beautiful lights and a wonderful evergreen tree, do they even belong in our wonderful Evergreen State?
Leave the tree down this year and next year add a bigger tree, more lights and all the love of the Pacific Northwest for their EVERGREEN heritage!

A Christmas tree to me is a symbol of the spirit of the season and values of goodness like peace, hope and love that it represents to all of mankind, regardless of religious beliefs. When people, young and old, of all traditions behold the beauty of a lit Christmas tree, it is a reminder of the light, beauty and magic that can exist in darkness and we need this in our world. This has nothing to do with religious belief. It is very sad and wrong to me that a long standing tradition need be diminished, especially in our beautiful Evergreen state.

iwas surprised that the port of seattle chose to remove the christmas displays when the airport is a major crossroads for all who travel by air i do think that they should review their policies and make a display that will honor all faiths i also think that the rabbi was correct in what he was trying to get across. its not about one faith its about all faiths and beliefs. with all the separtisim between church and state. i think we have really gotten off the real meaning of christmas not commerialisim. i would enjoy seeing a display that is fair to all faiths beliefs..

I find it offensive to call it "Happy Holidays". You know that there are people who will not have a holiday and will need to work right ? It is morally unacceptable to have them be so forcefully reminded of this fact.

The rabbi has a right to practice HIS religion. He has NO RIGHT to demand others to recognise his. I an shocked and dismayed that a man of his position would make such a demand. He owes an appology to the Port, the public and especially the Jewish community for generating such negative feelings for everyone.

It wouldn't have been such a big deal if the Rabi had "requested" a menora but it is a BIG deal when he THREATENED law suit.

By-the-way, has anybody researched the history of the "Christmas Tree". You should.

D

How ironic! Those who profit most from Christmas don't believe in the object of its origin. Allow me to illustrate: Ms. Jones' 3rd-grade class was all Gentile except for a little Jewish boy named Isadore. She asked several children of different ethnic backgrounds how their families celebrated Christmas. The answers she received were as varied as the shadings of brown skin possessed by her multicultural students. Not wanting Isadore to feel left out of the discussion, she asked him if and how his family observed Christmas. "It's the same every year," said Isadore. "My dad owns a huge toy store. On Christmas Eve, just before closing time, the chauffeur drives my mom and sisters and me to the store. We go into dad's office, close the door, and sing a few verses of 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus.' Then we all pile into the Rolls, head for Sea-Tac, and our private Lear flies us to our villa in Bermuda to celebrate." I rest my case ...

Shut down the christmas Tree debate?? too many controversial articles, shame shame!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish the Rabbi-t would travel to Tehran!!!!

here is my quote............."blah blah blah"...everyone wants to ruin christmas even though jesus was never born on that day and we christians roped in people from other religions by using their icons/symbols and incorperating them into ours.....then we killed people who didn't agree, then we killed mid-wives and called them witches...and more currently...we knock each other down to get our precious children that toy they "have to have" or they will die....so we can show them the good that relgion has taught us......blah blah...we suffer, we are martyrs....blahhh everyone wants to ruin our holiday...

I believe in capitalism .. glad they didn't remove the tokens (ATMs) of my religion.

whatever happened to the separation of church and state? i realize with our currnet asshole of a president that that idea has been eliminated. i don't want my TAX dollars wasted by decorating public buildings for ANY holiday! christmas trees are an archaic tradition anyway. how nice of us to chop down trees that would normally be used for shelter or food by other animals. nice. yes, i'm sure the airport trees were PLASTIC. ugh. humans suck and extreme religious fanatics suck the worst.

The Holiday period embraces and chronologically includes celebrations of all religious faiths. The Holiday Tree is a neutral secular symbol, not a religious symbol like a Christian Manger. The Menorah is a religious symbol. The Jewish faith has no secular symbol for Hunnukah, only a religious one. Since Sea-Tac chose to display a tree and call it a "Holiday Tree" (not a Christmas tree), Sea-Tac was responding to ALL faiths. The rabbi has no civil right to attempt to intimidate or compel, through threat of legal action, Sea-Tac to display a religious symbol (Sea-Tac is a federal;y funded facility and cannot openly display ANY religious symbols). Secondly, out of common courtesy, if the rabbi had something to say, he ought to have addressed this issue with Sea-Tac prior to Sea-Tac putting up their Holiday Trees, not afterward.

the above should get out of the pool (gene)

AN IMPORTANT POINT: The Holiday period embraces and chronologically includes celebrations of all religious faiths. The Holiday Tree is a neutral secular symbol, not a religious symbol like a Christian Manger. The Menorah is a religious symbol. The Jewish faith has no secular symbol for Hunnukah, only a religious one. Since Sea-Tac chose to display a tree and call it a "Holiday Tree" (not a Christmas tree), Sea-Tac was responding to ALL faiths. The rabbi has no civil right to attempt to intimidate or compel, through threat of legal action, Sea-Tac to display a religious symbol (Sea-Tac is a federally funded facility and cannot openly display ANY religious symbols). Secondly, out of common courtesy, if the rabbi had something to say, he ought to have addressed this issue with Sea-Tac prior to Sea-Tac putting up their Holiday Trees, not afterward.

Hi i like christmas i sted of holday trees

THIS RABBI NEEDS TO SHUT HIS FACE DO NOT FORCE HIS VIEWS ON MO THIS IS A TREE!!!!!!!!! THEN PUT UP A CROSS A BUDDA A WITCH THE SATIN THEN WHAT NOW THE WHOLE WORLD WILL SCREEM IF THERABBI WHANTS TO SUE THEN SUE THE POPE AND ALL PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS LIKE ME MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

If the Rabbi or his congregation dont like the trees at SEATAC airport then please tell them to go to Isreal to reside and perhaps some Palestiian will put them out of their missery!
This America and Christmas is an American Holiday Celebration and if these foriegn religions dont like it they can leave and go back where they came from or profess to be a part of. I know the ACLU promotes this type of problem and fully believe there should be a bounty on the head of every person in that organization!!!!!!!!

Oh GOD am I happy he is happy, he has successfully pissed off more people but he needs his little feelings heard. Does Sea-Tac now know haw many trees lamps lights idole statues cows carpets walls and other things they need now to keep everybody happy. And shame on you NWCN for putting him on TV to bitch more, this is what causes seperation between religion.

You Go Mr. Rabbi. You go to hell for your supposed religious wants, and then to threaten a lawsuit. ONLY IN AMERICA. This one more major problem in this country that our ignorant judical system would have had to actually entertain a lawsuit like this that the Rabbi threatened if he would have actually filed one. I was born and raised in this country and I want a CHRISTMAS TREE everywhere I can see one, tis the season. Everybody else, if you don`t like it, DON`T LOOK AT IT.

Another minority making policy for Americans in our country. I think the Port should NOT have removed the trees and should put them up every year. Most Americans are sick of being pushed around. If you, Rabbi or other people that have come into our country
and don't like our culture and customs, then get the hell out!!!

I see that only a few people are even aware that a Christmas tree is not a religious symbol. It never has been, it never will be. What I don't understand is why no one in the media is aware of that. Yes, Christmas decorations should still be allowed and the media and others in charge should be educated as to what is a religious symbol and what is not.

The Christmas tree isn't a religious symbol. Neither is Santa Clause. Those symbols are not found in any religion in the world. I say good luck to those who try to prove otherwise.

Christmas was originally founded in America to help boost morale due to the long cold winters. The evergreens were brought in as hope spring would come again. It's an American tradition, not a religious one. It crosses all boarders of religion. The celebration of Commerce is what I would call it. Those opposed of it, simply have no idea how our economy would be affected without it.

AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED IT'S HIGH TIME THIS KIND OF REVERSE DISCRIMINATION GOT THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES. IT'S ABOUT TIME THAT AMERICANS STOP PANDERING TO THE WHIMS OF EVERY "PROTECTED CLASS."
IT'S RIDICULOUS THAT A NATION WITH A CHRISTIAN MAJORITY HAS TO FORGO AGE OLD TRADITIONS SO AS NOT TO "OFFEND", AND WHETHER THE "CHRISTMAS" TREE IS A SYMBOL OF CHRISTIAN FAITH OR NOT (WHICH IS SUBJECT TO DEBATE), IT WOULD BE ECONOMICALLY AND OTHERWISE IMPRACTICAL, AND RIDICULOUS, TO ATTEMPT TO RECOGNIZE EVERY SINGLE RELIGION HELD BY AN AMERICAN CITIZEN AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THE "CHRISTMAS" TREE, AS IT SHOULD BE CALLED, IS AN AMERICAN TRADITION AND THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN PEOPLE WOULD APPRECIATE THE "TOLERANCE" OF OTHERS TO CELEBRATE IN THE MANNER OF OUR CHOOSING. REMEMBER...MAJORITY RULES. SORRY IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT. NOT REALLY.

First of all, its a Christmas tree regardless of what religion background you may have. So now, as a none "Jew" I am offended by the Manure I mean, manora (sp) thats now diplayed in the airports. thanks.

If I read the statistics correctly it appears that less than 1% of the people are of "jewish" faith. I believe it would be apprpriate to display a menorah that is less than 1% the size of the xmas trees.

The Rabbi can believe what he wants but when is the CHRISTMAS TREE a regilious symbol????? He was just trying to get some money from a city that permits him to live here.

There seems to be a misconception that the 'Christmas' tree is a religious symbol, well perhaps a religious symbol of its origin in Paganism but not necessarily Christianity.
A decorated tree is indeed a beautiful sight especially during the holiday season, religious or not; it brings so much joy and happiness. There certainly should not be any opposition to
such a display regardless of one's belief system.

I just want to say I'm glad the trees are back, I think though that it would be a nice goodwill gesture to include a menorah in the holiday decorations at the airport seeing how many christians, jews and other religious and non- religious people travel through the airport during the holiday season and Hanukah offen falls at the same time with Christmas and Kwanza for that matter whos symbol is also a menorah of types. Major cruise lines honnor both christmas trees and menorah on their ships during the holidays and have the sunset services for those who celebrate hanukah. I think that's a nice thing.

Here's the deal the Christmas Tree is NOT a religious symbol it is actually a pagan symbol that was adopted by Christians. The Minorah is a religious symbol and should NOT be displayed this would cause an issue between Church and state.

rabbi-t are you feeling a bit STUPID???

The Christmas tree is a symbol of giving, NOT a religious representation ... it is generic in nature for ALL to enjoy ... it is universal. It should offend no one. Political correctness is going amuck!! The Menorah IS a religious symbol and should NOT be displayed. No Nativity, no Menorah.... that is equality & fair. Aren't there more pressing issues which need our attention .... like helping those less fortunate than we are? That would be constructive rather than divisive,

This is America,I support all Faiths but this country was found on Christianity.So the main thing is we celebrate the Holidays the way we do.
That does'nt mean that anybody else can not celebrate the way they want to. But don'nt try to
change the way it's celebrated here.

This is a Judeo/Christian country. It is not an Islamic, Buddhist, etc. country. All Christian and or Jewish symbols should be allowed. I think the rabbi approached the issue with a confrontational attitude. Not a good representative for the Jewish community. I think a menorah should be displayed, as well as a nativity. After all, Christmas is the National celebration, of the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

I believe that we should have one tree in the airport where freegom of religion should have a limit of maybe 3 symbols could be displayed. With a tree topper saying PEACE ON EARTH.

If you read our Constitution THERE IS NO "SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE." People came to America to escape the English government's required religion ..... the Church of England. Martin Luther also began the Reformation for this reason as well. In our Constition, we are guaranteed the freedom from organized government (state run) religion, and the right and privilege to worship as we choose .. religious freedom. I WISH PEOPLE WOULD READ THE CONSTITUTION AND LEARN WHAT IT REALLY SAYS! America was founded on Christian values. Political correctness is killing us ... you can't say anything because it "might" offend someone. You can't do something because you
"might " offend 1 or 2 people, etc., etc. Good grief! Have we lost all reason and logic???? Can't we find our sense of humor again? Can't we focus on the things we have in common rather than differences. Since when does the minority rule? Being tolerant means me accepting you as you are, but I want you too accept me for who I am. I may not believe as you do, but I respect your beliefs, and your right to express them.I think the United States needs to focus on being, in the true sense of the word ... how much better life would be. May the spirit of Christmas be celebrated throught our nation, and out troops be protected as they fight to preserve our freedom to enjoy our Christmas trees. LET'S GET OUT PRIORITIES RIGHT AGAIN!!!!!!

I am sick and tired of this waskilly wabbi. Where is Elmer Fudd when you need him?

Oh be serious. Don't you know its Kwismas twee hunting season?

But the people who founded and wrote the constitution were Christians. They based this Democracy on their morals and beliefs. IF people don't agree with the morals and beliefs of the founding fathers, go back to Mexico, Iraq, Iran, Israel, or wherever you came from to escape whatever tirant you were ruled under.
Merry Christmas Islams and Jews. NOT HAPPY HOLIDAYS ASSHOLES. Blame Wal-mart for that piece of crap.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for putting the Trees back up. Fine, if a Menorah goes up next year. I hope it's placed right next to the...Um, Nativity Scene.

I feel that we should honor every yuletide holiday on the "Christmas" trees. We should put everythingup; Kwanza, Christmas, Hanukah, whatever as long as it remains family friendly. I mean, the "Christmas" tree originated from pagans, which is the base for wicca. The star placed on the top? That's the Star of David that signaled the coming of Jesus. But why stop of yuletide hoidays. There should be something, where families can donate their own decorations, to make the trees a little more special. Pink ribbons for breast cancer survivors, origami cranes for survivors of suicide, purple ribbons for wave, etc. etc. Christmas is a time for family, friends, love, kindness, and caring, not fighting over what decoratins to put up. Wake up people, Christmas is a time of GIVING, not TAKING. I may be only 17, but at least I am smart enough to know that fighting over decorations is just idiotic. If a group of fourty plus year olds insist on acting like 4 year olds over what should be called "Holiday Trees," then maybe we need to find someone a little more mature to take over.

I feel that we should honor every yuletide holiday on the "Christmas" trees. We should put everythingup; Kwanza, Christmas, Hanukah, whatever as long as it remains family friendly. I mean, the "Christmas" tree originated from pagans, which is the base for wicca. The star placed on the top? That's the Star of David that signaled the coming of Jesus. But why stop of yuletide hoidays. There should be something, where families can donate their own decorations, to make the trees a little more special. Pink ribbons for breast cancer survivors, origami cranes for survivors of suicide, purple ribbons for wave, etc. etc. Christmas is a time for family, friends, love, kindness, and caring, not fighting over what decoratins to put up. Wake up people, Christmas is a time of GIVING, not TAKING. I may be only 17, but at least I am smart enough to know that fighting over decorations is just idiotic. If a group of fourty plus year olds insist on acting like 4 year olds over what should be called "Holiday Trees," then maybe we need to find someone a little more mature to take over.

The decorated trees at Sea Tac are NOT religious symbols - - whether they are called Christmas trees or Holiday trees. The comparable symbol of Chanukah's Menorah is the Christian Nativity scene. THAT is a Christian symbol.

The tree can be adopted by anyone who chooses to - - and made to have symbolic meaning - - and if Christians do have a view of the tree that it represents life -- and later a cross - - that is something that has been attirbuted to the tree, but as was said very early on in another reply - - I was taught that it was originally a pagan symbol.

All I saw on the trees that were shown as they were taken down/ put back up was snowflakes and bows - - nothing religious there! And nothing to be protested! If they had a nativity scene, that would be Christian - - but a tree with bows and snowflakes is not.

There are a lot of options for addressing this for the future -- but none of them are necessary. This IS America - - and a tree is part of our tradition. I would not presume to go to Ben Gurion International in Tel Aviv and insist that they put up a nativity scene! This Rabbi is an embarassment to all who are working toward peaceful resolution of differences in Israel's many challenges. This is certainly not a way to build bridges for peace!

What should the Port do now that the trees are back up? Simple: give the Rabbi a one-way ticket to anywhere. Also, put up a Christian Nativity display. That's what Christmas is really about. Also, quit calling the trees "holiday trees" Call them Christmas trees. Quit pretending Christmas isn't a religious holiday.

This is and has been since its inception a country
with Judaeo-Christian beliefs & ethics. If you don't agree, do check out our Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

If the above is true, then our SeaTac airport in Seattle, WA should allow a "Nativity scene & the
"Menorah", yet how long would these 2 displays be tolerated after an Atheist walked by one?

So a Christmas tree, with its roots in paganism,
yet having Christ in its name will be accepted, but the Menorah, a symbol of the Judaeo part of our heritage won't be accepted.

Next year should be interesting, as this looks like a question for King Solomon!

If the port of Seattle displayed all the symbols of every race and religon at Christmas, there would be no room for the people. When will we stop all the winning and get back to the basic's. I agree, if you don't like it leave.

Why can't there be a menorah to accompany the trees and recognize other religious traditions? We can't say the Pledge of Allegiance containing the word "God", we can't have Christmas parties or Easter Break because it offends atheists. It sounds like atheists have more rights than the Jewish people?? Or is that my uninformed opinion?

Its that time of year again. So, what is wrong with a Christmas tree for anyone who wants to celebrate Christmas. This is December everyone who celebrates Christmas wants to see the spirit of Christmas kept alive and that includes the trees.

Sorry but I think people should not make a big deal of such little trivia stuff. Lets all work for world peace. :)

I say that a christmas tree should not be a problem. If people feel offended that is their problem. This is like going to a store and saying that the christmas items should be taken away. If I was offended by a christian holiday why not ask if I could bring something ( a decoration ) that I would feel okay with also. America is filled with all different kinds of people so I think why not fill it with all kinds of peoples things (not theirs litterally). Maybe they could get something for a holiday other than christmas but who knows with people these days maybe they just wan't attention but this is too far.to these people: Don't cause the problem just fix it.

so for you people who are causing prolems just fix them even by just donating a small decoration from your holiday.

P.S. Is anyone going to help with this or just complain? well for the people who are complaining.....

This is so not the spirit of Chrismas!!!!Christmas is for ALL religions...so put up an icon for EVERYONE (not just our favorite) religious or not it is an INTERNATIONAL airport afterall

In regard to this Christmas tree thing I am confussed. Sunday evening you had the Jewish attorney and the Christian Pastor on TV. First of all why would a Jewish person be up set about a religious symbal that is named in respect of one of their own Jesus (Yeshua)? Next why does a assembly of God minister say in one breath that the Christmas tree is not a symbal of the Christian faith and in another breath say not allowing it is a attack on the Christian faith? How could taking down Christmas trees be a attack on the Christian faith if they are not a symbal of the faith. Next the Manorah issue; if Chanuka was about keeping oil in our lamps and about the light and Christians believe Yeshua (Christ) was the light shouldn't they want to put a manorah next to their tree? If Christ was born after the Jewish people started celebrating Chanuka would'nt he had celebrated it. I think they (Sea Tac) should have the Christmas trees, the manorahs; And they could even show Christ Jewishness by putting a few dreidel lights on the trees. I believe that the American forfathers wanted freedom to worship and not from worship as some try and interpit the fisrt amendment to the constitution. Like our politically correct politicians who want to call it a holiday tree.

Menorah Allowed at Capital but not Nativity Scene?

After living in WA for close to 25 years, I still stay abreast of the news of Washington State after moving to Idaho. Today I was amazed at an article about a menorah being allowed in the State Capital but not a Nativity Scene.

NWCN: "Steve Valandra, a spokesman for the Department of General Administration, said officials were concerned that in comparison with a tree or menorah, a Nativity scene might carry a stronger impression of government endorsement of religion."

Mr. Valandra blatantly displayed his ignorance of Scripture and history. The menorah is used to celebrate Hanukkah, Festival of Lights.

The festival is a celebration of God's deliverance of the Jews in 165 B.C. That year, the Jews won their first struggle for religious freedom by defeating the Hellenistic Syrians, who tried to force them to give up Judaism.

This is celebrated each year with special foods, lighting the candles and saying prayers. A religious celebration.

By the way, I am a Christian, not Jewish.

Finally, my question is, why is a Christmas tree representative of Christmas and a nativity scene is not? And, Who decides what is religious and what is not? I suppose it is none of government's business what to put up on public property.

Stephen, (Dec. 11 post 10:53 AM)

I only want truth to reign, not political correctness. Most are VERY tired of this notion of "we might offend ONE person, so we can't...). Usually one is hard pressed to find ONE person that is offended, but to that one I would say "get over your thin skinned attitude and grow up", as I have had to on many occassions.

By the way, why would you call the Jewish community (and by refering to them, I am NOT a bigot)a "percieved" monority. Look at the stats and demographics and you will find them to indeed BE a MINORITY! I am just so tired of the twisting of pure facts, and wanted to bring that to mind

Perhaps I am confused, I thought the difference between Jews and Christians was that Jews are still waiting for Jesus to come the first time and Christians are waiting for him to come again. Therefore, our celebration of the birth of Christ has nothing to do with the use of the Menorah to celebrate the rededication of the temple. While I appreciate the need of our forefathers to separate church from state, religion was indeed a very important part of who they and we as a whole are. I feel like we are trying to say to each other that I cannot celebrate my birthday because it is your anniversary or simply that you have no interest in being a part of something that gives me joy. As a parent I don't see why I should give presents to all my children on the day that one of them has a special day... just to be fair. Can we not celebrate each other on any day without feeling slighted? Regardless of religious belief or even non-belief we need to allow everyone to have the time and space to be who they are and celebrate times in their lives as they see fit.

The Bible states that in the "End Times" there will be persecution, and also many disasters and wars. Seems to me that the forced removal of the "Christ"mas trees is persection, in a small way. We have taken Christ out of our schools and our public places. It saddens me that the human race is so blind to the beauty of the love that God showed his children on that first Christmas, and that they have turned thier backs on Him.

Here is the Deal, if you want to know how the people feel,Vote on it. Don't allow people to threaten to sue. put it to a vote. see the reason the governing body doesn't allow it to go to a vote is because they know what will happen.....refer to the gay marriage dispute......and just like with that issue we the people would speak....and not be herd!!!...law makers don't seem to know what the people want...so ask them. and then accept the answer.and MERRY CHRISTMASS TO ALL....HAPPY NEW YEAR TOOO....

A christmas tree is a pagan worship tool. Dont confuse it with something christian. It is not. It is plain idolotry.

Jeremiah 10:2-4: "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." (KJV).

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