Spineless in Seattle

By Shawn Healy

Nothing like adding fuel to the fire in the so-called "Christmas wars." Seattle-Tacoma Airport, in response to a lawsuit filed by a local Jewish rabbi seeking to add a menorah to the existing assemblage of nine Christmas trees, reacted in knee-jerk fashion by removing the decorations by night, igniting international attention and outrage. Unfortunately, the rabbi will likely take the brunt of the blame for this incident, but such rage is misplaced. Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky was not offended by the trees nor did he seek their removal. Rather than explore an inclusive and constitutional solution to a simplistic request, airport authories acted spinelessly and deserve the global mockery their cowardice invites.