Considering how most of the posts regarding this topic have done wonders in bringing out nothing but condemnation against a Rabbi who simply wanted to be allowed to display a Hannukah menorah...
...it's a very common, very safe, attitude for Jews to take.
My folks taught me the same way. (but it doesn't always stick)
Did your folks teach you to sue if you didn't get your way? I don't blame the rabbi for wanting the menorah displayed and for attempting to convince the Sea-Tec officials that displaying it would be a good idea; I blame him for the way he went about it -- the lawsuit.