Posted on 12/11/2006 11:32:10 AM PST by Aggie Dad
SEATAC, Wash. - The official Christmas trees are still down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, but a few little trees have popped up at airline counters.
An employee at Frontier Airlines took up a collection on Monday and bought a few foot-tall trees for the counter.
The initiative followed a decision by airport officials to remove its nine Christmas trees instead of adding a giant Jewish menorah to the holiday display as a rabbi had requested.
Maintenance workers boxed up the trees during the graveyard shift early Saturday, when airport bosses believed few people would notice.
We decided to take the trees down because we didnt want to be exclusive, said airport spokeswoman Terri-Ann Betancourt. Were trying to be thoughtful and respectful, and will review policies after the first of the year.
Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky, who made his request weeks ago, said he was appalled by the decision. He had hired a lawyer and threatened to sue if the Port of Seattle didnt add the menorah next to the trees, which had been festooned with red ribbons and bows.
Everyone should have their spirit of the holiday. For many people the trees are the spirit of the holidays, and adding a menorah adds light to the season, said Bogomilsky, who works in Seattle at the regional headquarters for Chabad Lubavitch, a Jewish education foundation.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
Looks more like a demand rather than a request.
According to the article Rabbi Bogolmilsky had threatened to sue and had lawyers standing by.
No, having a tree AND a menorah AND a crescent moon indicates TOLERANCE. Or a tree and a menorah and a crescent moon and a wicca symbol. Where does it end? The threat was made, so the offending article was removed. I would the that the Rabbi would be satisfied with that.
Just this morning, I was at the United Red Carpet Lounge at DIA (Denver). Beautiful Christmas trees and decorations. Last night I was at Ted Stevens Airport (Anchorage, AK) The whole airport had wonderful Christmas decorations. Lots of stuffed polar and Kodiak bears there, too. PETA and the ACLU would be horrified............I loved it.
Too many people are just looking for an reason to be offended.
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