Xmas trees removed from Sea-Tac Airport [Scrooge barf alert]

KING 5 News ^ | 12/09/06 | KIM HOLCOMB

[XR7]

SEA-TAC Airport - All of the Christmas trees inside the terminal at Sea-Tac have been removed in response to a complaint by a rabbi.

A local rabbi wanted to install an 8-foot menorah and have a public lighting ceremony. He threatened to sue if the menorah wasn’t put up, and gave a two-day deadline to remove the trees.

Sea-Tac public affairs manager Terri-Ann Betancourt said the trees that adorn the Sea-Tac upper and lower levels may not properly represent all cultures.

She said that since this is their busiest time of year and they don't have time to add a fair representation of all cultures, her department decided to take down all of the decorations, review their policies, and decide if they need to make a change for next year.

"You know, our focus is on customer service, getting our passengers through the airport, and we thought if we could take the trees down and avoid litigation because we don't want to littigate with this individual, we want to reach some kind of solution," Betancourt said. "But that is going to take some thoughtful discussion and we would like to have time to have that thoughtful discussion."

Until then, no Christmas decor at Sea-Tac.

The same decorations have been put up for at least 10 years, she added.

[Leftism is Mentally Deranged]

"Christmas" trees are not a Christian symbol. They are a pagan symbol and are commonly used at the same time as the Christian holiday. Taking them down is stupid.
I think it is a good idea to name them "Holiday trees" or "winter festival trees". Then the irreligious left will be happy and people who celebrate Christmas can have nicely-lit trees.

[phil1750]

I think it is a good idea to name them "Holiday trees"

In my household we erect a "Christmas Tree". In the spring we bake a large "Easter Ham". Those offended by names need to get a life.

[WashingtonSource]

I like calling them Christmas trees because that's what they've been for 2,000 plus years. It's silly to start debating its originas. Further, there's nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas in the public square or the airport. Period. This is Christian country. Christmas is a national holiday. The ACLU 'rabbi' can get over it. Curious the 'rabbi' remains anonymous at this point. A threatened lawsuit is not enough justification for abandoning the Christmas holiday spirit.

[Salem]

"This is so truly UNcharacteristic of Chabad that I am shocked and ashamed. As the mother of Chabad activists in 4 countries (spanning 3 continents) let me apologize to FReepers for this incident of ill will which has tarnished many decades of excellent work."

As it is no less uncharacteristic for Evangelical Christians to pal around with the leaders of terrorist sponsering states and sworn enemies of the Jewish people.

Nevertheless, such a response by a mother of Chabad in response to this incident is a wonderful and valued thing.  

---

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spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. (Joshua 21:45)
Letter To The President In Support Of Israel ~
'Final Solution,' Phase 2 ~
Warnings ~

"The West has given more significance to the myth of the genocide of the Jews, even more significant than God, religion, and the prophets...."—Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
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[Liberty Valance]

[Pride in the USA]

No surprise here, unfortunately.

[onedoug]

Stupid rabbi.

[jmcenanly]

Provided that these rooms are properly wired, say with hidden cameras and microphones

[jmcenanly]

There is a simple solution. Have an array of eight trees. On the first night, only light up one tree, the second night two, et cetera. Both parties should be pleased

[dennisw]

This rabbi is a disgrace to my religion. Here's hoping sanity prevails and Christmas symbols and a Menorah both go up

[Dov in Houston]

Oh great. First some of the Gentiles blame us on murdering Jesus. Now some Rabbi wants to get us blamed for destroying Christmas.

Way to go Rabbi. You sure taught them a thing or two huh ?

Leave well enough alone and don't make us all look bad. I can hear it now, The Joooos did it.

As for me, this little Heeb spent all day decorating a motorcycle for a Christmas parade. Santa Claus and all.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

[Alouette]

According to this Fox News report, the Rabbi requested only that the menorah be added to the display. He did not demand that the trees be taken down. It was Sea-Tac's desicion to take the trees down in order to refuse to display the menorah.

[djf]

Problem is, this is about the only country in the world that supports Israel.

Between the attacks on the film "The Passion", now the attacks on traditions in this country that have gone on for decades or more, nothing good can come from this.

Who says we have to give equal time to everybody? In trying to accommodate everyone, we end up pleasing no one and believing in nothing.

America is primarily a Christian nation, whether that's politically correct or not, that's the way it is.

And there is news that Ms. Gregoire is supposed to participate in a public ceremony lighting a menorah at the capitol soon. Which is, by any definition, an endorsement of a religion by a state.

Maybe it's time for a wealthy philanthropic church goer in Washington to hire a few lawyers...

[uptoolate]

Christmas.

Satanists substitute 'X' so they can avoid the word 'Christ'.

[Suzy Quzy]

Yes, but we have the Seattle Macy's CHRISTMAS STAR that is gorgeous!! I guess THAT will be next on the Rabbi's hit list!!

[Suzy Quzy]

I don't think there are ANY lawsuits against Menorahs...only Christmas items.

[uptoolate]

"First some of the Gentiles blame us on murdering Jesus."

I don't blame you. It was I that could not keep the first commandment to love Him with ALL my heart, mind, soul, and strength. The Annointed One was peirced for my trangressions and crushed for my iniquities.

[Suzy Quzy]

Thanks for your understanding, Alouette, things like this make decent people of ALL faiths mad.