Religious Discrimination

In recent years people have become more and more open to accommodate different beliefs and religions.

For instance, atheists do not believe that the word "God" should be in the 'Pledge of Allegiance', because they do not want their children to say the word 'God' in school, because they do not believe in him. Even though everyone has been saying the pledge of allegiance without change since 1892.

But because of one man's beliefs we should now, after 114 years change a part of our history? This is simply absurd.

Another recent event was in Seatac, Washington this Christmas of 06. A Rabbi made a comment that he would like to see a Hanukkah Menorah also displayed in the Seatac airport. Port officials told The Seattle Times "The Rabbi's lawyer had threatened to imminently file a lawsuit." In effect all of the Christmas trees in the Seatac airport were taken down.

After receiving angry emails and being flooded with phone calls about the incident, the Rabbi, Elazar Bogomilsky told the port officials that he would not file a lawsuit. In response the port officials declared the Christmas trees be put back up.

According to the Port of Seattle Commission President Pat Davis, "The rabbi never asked us to remove the trees; it was the Port's decision based on what we knew at the time. We very much appreciate the rabbi's willingness to work with us as we move forward."

The port officials also decided that a Menorah will not be displayed this year. But the port spokesman Bob Parker stated that, "we look forward to sitting down after the first of the year with not only Rabbi Bogomilsky but others as well, and finding ways to make sure there's an appropriate winter holiday representation for all faiths. We want to find out a way to celebrate the winter holidays that is sensitive to all faiths."

This whole incident was never about the trees, it is about belief, faith, and religion. Christmas is not solely about Santa and presents or trees, it is also about belief and faith.