Bah Humbug at the Seattle Airport

Which religion does a "Tree" promote? Which chapter and verse from a holy text mentions a Christmas Pine Tree?

Unless the tree in question is specifically labeled "this is a Christmas tree", something I've never seen, a tree is just a tree, with no religious overtones at all.

We unfortunately live in a time where people will whine over anything they perceive as a slight. While the airport may have not done what you would consider the right thing, they did the safe thing in order to avoid frivilous litigation in a "I'll sue you if I don't get what I want" society. But I guess I don't have to tell you all about that, do I?

Hmmm, Bah Humbug,
with your permission Mr.Trump,
that¨s go with me back in time when I was a little girl, 3,4yo? a trip somewhere in mountains of Transilvania, to meet my brother which started there the 1-class and my mother was legally faighting all 1year for him to get him at our new home..
mom in school and I to the grand grand mother home..eating with her and after
she opened an old wood treasures fully big box and put into my hands a silver pocal is a old fashioned cup and tould me like, some day these will be yours(for me and brother, where 2 pieces and other silver spoons, a small one I play with looking at the stemm on, she explained that is from Carol 1-st court where the grand grand father or oncle? where

From a business perspective the airport made the right choice to keep the decorations, the airports where flooded with travelers for the holidays, how many millions of worried, grumpy people, a simple decoration does make people comfortable and understand it is the holidays. Taking the decorations down would create such havoc for the people that work at the airports, because it would lead to no cheer, no sense of peace or purpose.
Non-Catholics, non-Christians should respect the holiday season. When Americans go abroad they dont demand xmas trees in the middle of a public airports. Even our military celebrates xmas with a simple tree, but only with other Americans and they dont expect others to celebrate with them. People of other faiths dont understand the American Christmas, this is not the European Christmas. They get confused and think it has to do with Arian dominance, so they start fidgeting about equal rights. Although American Christmas belongs to America, and its mixed with many different traditions from different countries. Europeans when they travel to America for Christmas are confused, because it doesn't look like Europe. The American version of Santa was created in New York in the 1800's. Politicians wouldnt ban Christmas, first they should be none partisan to religion, and second corporate America makes to much money.

Dear Donald:

Greetings! Keen insight! I agree with you, Donald! Why can't we just respect other's rights to decorate their properties (even public access ones)? I doubt that constitutes discrimination or religious persecution. Ridiculous? You bet! Thank you Donald for your wise insight.

An admirer of yours in SOFL,
Jacqueline
DRJACOBB@aol.com

Very true. Do you think the issue could have been addressed via a customer service route rather than over-reacting?

Thanks for raising important issue of liberty: it comes with "stuff." Some people call it "property." Christmas trees and menorahs can coexist.

I think, it's hard not to offend or worry about offending. I believe that businesses are/have to worry about offending people. Showing favoritism to one religious aspect and not another is going to be contraversal at this time. I'm not saying to take down the christmas tree(s), but why didn't the air port just add what the rabbi wanted? I mean, the christmas tree is a nice idea, but isn't the christmas tree religious already? The air port already put a symbol of christianity up, why not other religious symbols?
If they are soooo worried about a lawsuit why put the trees up in the first place? And yet, unwilling to put up other religious symbols? Times are changing and other religions want to be seen. And, ignoring that people want that is going to cause problems!

The whole incident at the Seattle Airport was ridiculous. As I am so fond of saying about my current employer, it seems the airport staff are getting too politically correct for their own good.

We are all being "drugged"

I have a great idea!!!! How about America just being America like it was founded. There are some things still sacred to America. A Christmas tree is one of them. The Bible is another. We should not do away with what made this country great to begin with. The Bible and a Christmas tree is part of what made America great!!!!

I agree. The management of the airport in a free america can decide what it wishes to display AND what it may choose not to show. Because we cannot accomodate everyones opinion of what is proper to display doesn't make displaying nothing the proper answer.

I guess the Rabbi didnt see the XMAS episode of South Park where the exact same thing happened with the school play. What a lovely way to ruin it for everyone. I agree with the airports decision, though I am not pleased that everyone had to lose the festive decorations because one guy complained that his group was not represented.

It's a sad state of affairs when we don't have the courage or the conviction to stand up for what we believe is right. Only the other day I was in a local park. A family was having a picnic and a child in their group had used and dropped a few paper cups over an area near them. It obviously didn't phase the adults in the group. The wind then started to blow the cups across the park. This didn't phase them in the least. I have a low tolerance for this sort of behaviour as there is simply no excuse. It's a beautiful world we live in and it damn well annoys me when adults either perpetrate or allow this sort of action. It really annoys me that I had to hesitate before saying anything. I was fearful of what reaction I might receive. I simply walked up to the only male adult in the group and kindly told him "I don't know if you realize this but there is a $100 on the spot fine for littering and your little boy has dropped quite a few cups around. I did notice a ranger at the other end of the park earlier too." To this he replied indignantly "He's not my boy, why don't you tell him yourself, he belongs to her anyway." and he indicated to a woman in his group. I simply stated "It's not for me to speak with him" snesing that it would be prudent to leave. As I left I heard one of the woman in the group yell out to him "What did he want?" but I didn't hear the mans response. My wife was upset with me over putting myself at risk but I felt better for having the conviction to speak up for what I believe is right. Wisdom obviously prevails and we don't want to put ouselves in harms way but there has to be some accountabilty for speaking up and not allowing our fears and "political correctness" rule our lives. Go Donald, email the airport head honchos your blog post.

Mr. Trump:
Recently a friend of mine was wondering whether or not to send a Christmas greeting to a Jewish friend. He decided that if he did he might be considered insensitive. If he did not he might be Raciallly profiling. You are correct. Enough is enough. We are hamstringing our ability to think well in this country.
Thanks for your comments. Happy New Year
Jim

Donald is right but what is the point of complaining about it? Shouldn't power come along with wealth? Meaning Donald, Bill G, Warren Buffet, etc., should be able to get the kooks in congress to change these stupid laws and stop dumb law suits

What a bunch a whiners! Maybe Rosie will put them on her show to complain some more about their holiday woes. Have that Rabbi put up a Christmas tree at his house if he wants equality. I've always said... fair has nothing to do with it.

America is the melting pot and these issues are bound to come up. Maybe we need to 'evolutionize' Christmas in America

every time i read anythng donald trump says it makes me wonder..... i hope i'm gtting the right message that he wants to convey........ i'm in INDIA and wish to be aprt of apperntice...... i do like to read trumps comments as it matches min a lot.. and i wish to learn more and moe... from the phenomenon known as THE DONALD.....:)

I have been watching this kind of behavior for several years now. The key failure appears to be related to a tendency for business operatives and politicians to defer to or avoid out-spoken minorities and remove or altogether avoid accouterments associated with the majority instead of embracing and accepting similar or corresponding accouterments of the minorities. Tolerance should be the watchword. We, the majority, as well as all of the minorities should be willing to accept each other's accouterments without bias so that the politicians and businesses would not feel compelled to abdicate, but will be comfortable interacting with everyone.

In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England 's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview.

When asked

Mr. Trump,

I agree. In our society everyone has become so consumed with being politically correct that it is causing negative productivity to happen within all facets of the workplace. I think you are an excellent example from what I have seen in "The Apprentice" of how we should all just cut through the crap and get to the point. Thanks for all your words and inspiring messages!

I don't think it's the rabbi's fault .... Hannukah is well recognized and celebrated around the world.

Seattle Airport staff seemed to have "dropped the ball" in making a poor initial decision.

I have to say, this is the most preposterous story I've ever heard, and frankly I'm shocked all the fuss would come from a rabbi? I always thought Judism was a religion that had a great respect for all cultures, in this case obviously I was wrong. I sure hope this occurance doesn't catch fire with other events in the world, who's to say what would happen?

Couldn't agree with you more!

I agree with you, but just to clarify a point, the Rabbi was not representative of the Jewish community as a whole. Chanukah should not be competing with Christmas. The lighting of the menorah is a personal religious duty and is cheapened

Two years ago I when to Portland, Oregon and there was no decoration, the City was very dark! I ask the taxi driver how come they have no decoration and he told I was in order not to offend the once that don't belive in God! I ask him if those people do not use the american $ Because in the back it said in God we trust. You can not trust the one that you do not belive.

It's Christmas for heavens sake. Lets get some back bone here before we turn into a wimps like the french.

I appreciate that you would write regarding this issue. I personally believe that this country is being Politically corrected to death. The insecurity of this nation is a sad state of affairs.
Where are the bold people who made this country great? We will no longer see inventions as we did even 50 years ago.
I know that unless something happens we are not going to be able to celebrate anything because it "offends" someone. God help us all.

well if some 'JA' politician does that (pardon the absence of letters), I'll have to demand the removal of all political campaign signs, flags, parades and commercials during election season. Why not make everyday and every season bland, pointless, and boring? Instead of a pleasant decorated tree to stare at while you're stuck for hours in the airport, why not just stare at the wall? I would hate to think of America as 'idiot central' headquarters.

I am so tired of everyone tip toeing around so not "offend" anyone. If it is a Jewish holiday, celebrate it openly. If it is a Christian holiday, celebrate it openly. I celebrate Christmas as a Christian and I get offended when others try to stop my holiday. What happened to my rights as an American with the freedoms awarded me

Mr. Trump, I agree. We are focusing on the wrong things to satisfied being political correct and in the meantime losing what is important.

What no comments? It's 6:49 PM central time and no one has a word?

I think that christmas tree lights is just a secular way of enjoying Christmas and has nothing to do with religion whereas a minorah has religion behind it.The christmas tree has evolved as a cultural part of the holidays and should represent all of them.

Agreed! As always, you have enlightened the community on issues that affect us daily. Please keep us informed of your beliefs. American's lives are affected daily

I thought for the 52 years of my life I was living in the UNITED STATES not the united nations ,granted this country was built

Donald Trump for a man who I had much respect for & wanted my kids to look up to & role model, your name callin & refusal let the incident with Rosie go away, makes me feel like I am watching a pre-k childres fight....Please growup quickly you are setting a very bad example for the young who look up to you....The "Bigger Man" would not respond to anything said, true or not...Looks like Rosie gets that title

I believe it's true people now are so worried about impressing a political figure they are forgetting everything that goes a long with different cultures and anything that is supposed to be contemplated about during the holidays.

It's funny how we get people in a leadership role but yet they act like little children and want something the other kid has and pouts about until everyone is mad then the parents take everything away.

unfortunatly I am oblidged t5o agree with you. We are in such a hurry to offend no one, that we deprive ourselves of the biggest joys in the world, I am speaking of art, literature and the joy of the holiday season.

I believe the level of political correctness today is one reason everybody is afraid to do the right thing. From elected officials to corporations. Follow your beliefs and present your true self and let the people deside if your deserving of praise or not.

When we become too sensitive to everything, we become caught up in the same issue as analysis paralysis, becoming afraid to do anything. When this takes place, no one makes progress. In fact, I would posit that such paralysis exponentially cripples people and starts one down the regressive slipperly slope to failure - so instead of helping "some people"

i would say if there was a rabi passing through than instead of making a big deal about a symble,he should of stuck with his minority..it would make much better sence for them, and there beliefs to co exist with..most areas over crowded may be able to relate with them, but just passing through at a airport is sort of silly, for the rabi..being politicaly correct is one thing for survivle,but you must draw the line some how..knowing what is best for you is from expiriance, and to have good judgement, to choose from..

I don't think Americans will allow a law to ban Christmas decorations just because of the complaints of a few. However, I do think that those that manage our organizations become more functional in their decision making.

How functional is it to give into a complainer just to still the complaints. That's what co-dependents do with alcoholics. Co-dependents will try to fix whatever the alcoholic complains about. Soon everything revolves around the alcoholic instead of what is healthy for the group. The group could be a family, group of friends, a non-profit organization, or even a business.

Unfortunately, when dysfunctionalism spreads to businesses in a community, it is harder to intervene and management seems to buy into nonsensical reasoning. This is especially prevelant in the Milwaukee area of Wisconsin, which happens to hold the titles of having one of the highest population percentages of alcoholics in the nation and being one of the top ten party cities in the nation.

Maybe you can incorporate this topic into a learning experience on the Apprentice.

What they could have done is create a Religions of the World display and ask key religious leaders if they would like to display something that pertains to their belief. It would be educational to all.

I'm going to buy my own island one day and outlaw stupidity. That ought to teach em'.

This year, just as last year a right wing religious based political organization approached my home town wanting to put up a Nativity Scene in a downtown park. For the second year Raleigh, NC permitted the Nativity Scene to be placed in the downtown park and for the second year this group put up an ugly and cheap looking Nativity scene. The characters were plywood flats painted all white with no markings and the manger was an aluminum studded structure which looked unfinished.

This religious political group threatened to take this matter to the supreme court if they were not allowed to put up a Christian Nativity Scene on public property and yet they did not spend a fraction or a percent of a percent of what their legal budget would have been to sue my home town into bankruptcy.

Meanwhile many churches in my town placed well thought out Nativity Scenes on their own property but this religious political group approached Christmas with the thought of controversy and the fundraising it brings. I believe a Nativity Scene in this downtown park could be a great draw to our revitalized downtown. I am supportive of a well designed religious based Nativity Scene because it would bring people to the local museums, the restaurants and the many historic buildings. It is not always non Christians who abuse Christmas. Sometimes Christmas is seen as a chance to divide a community for fundraising.

If we didn't worry so much about what every body else thinks, and about offending every piece of human being that comes to America- we could probably be the America we intendend to have centuries ago when we declared this land a Christian land. If I lived in China, Iran, Irak, Israel or Cuba - I would have to accept what ever they decided and understand their values. In America we are loosing our values at an accelerated pace because we let every one who comes to our Country to determine what should or shouldn't be done. It simply goes too far!!

No politician in their right mind will ever think of doing that. Because if they do I will personally kick their ass.

Bah Humbug is so right Mr Trump.

Not to be sassy, but no guesses for who the real "Scrooge" was this past Christmas!

Good idea. What do you think about religion sign at school for girls ?

Isn't it just amazing - there is always some religious person who in times of goodwill has to create disharmony.

USA is a mainly Christian country, and Christmas trees have been displayed since time immemorial. If nothing else, they look quite pretty - why try to dimish that?

Having said that, the airport officials should have shown more common sense and courage.

If they were afraid to reject the proposal they could have put up symbols of a few other major religions to promote religious tollerance. It is possible to love your own religion and have respect for someone else's religion. Otherwise, how can you have harmony between people that we all want?

I agree with the author's comments. Political politeness has gotten out of hand to the point we will lose our heritage as Americans. I, too had an experience in Washington. We were told in the school system we had to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." I had a student say "Happy Holidays" to me. I believe in Christmas and replied, "Merry Christmas to you!" He said he was going to report me for saying Christmas instead of holidays. I told him to go ahead. He never did, but what happened to freedom of speech and belief?

The whole thing about the Christmas trees and the menorah can easily be resolved

I think a wise decision. Please don't destroy our Christmas and the American way of life.If you want a rebellion, try taking down those trees and leaving them down. That my friend would be a costly mistake.
Charles W. Phillips Sr.
==========================================

Mr Trump you are "old fashioned" or some would say "old school". Your ideals and words actually make sense. I like it. You are a true gentleman and a truth filled one at that.
Angie G
Bowling Green, Ky

Some time you talk like in a coffee house. But it is the reality isn't.

Just goes to prove how superficial our society is ... how much emphasis we place on ritualistic behavior, and how much sentimental attachment we have to the tinsel and glitter of such charades. I wonder what comments Jesus (The Christ) would make on this issue?

I love the way you think - not just about money issues, but political and social issues too! You Go, Donald!

Interesting article.

I have never heard of anything so stupid in my life.

This story represents so many problems with being polically correct these days.
Throughout all the shopping this year, only twice was I told Merry Christmas - throughout the entire season. Those two times were like music to my ears, recalling days when saying Merry Christmas was on the tongue of virtually everyone you met.

Rather than honor the Jewish religion, the Airpost claimed to anticipate a potential problem and reacted before it ever became reality. Exactly how many other religions did they think would come knocking on their door? If other religions were demanding public recognition there would be greater awareness of more than just Christmas and Hannukah as being celebrated this time of year. (Kwanzaa does not claim to be a religious holiday but a recognition of the African Heritage of African Americans)
What if other religions did, in fact, seek acknolwedgment of their religious
holiday symbol? Is their airport so small they could not have found other places to display those symbols? Are their minds so limited that they could not find creative ways to display them aesthetically? Are their thinking so small as to be unable to embrace and respect the religions of other Americans.

One of the greatest strengths of this country is the governments recognition of its' citizens freedom of religion. One of its' weaknesses is its' citizens inability to recognize that freedom applies beyond themselves.

Christi Griffin
CEO/General Counsel
MoneyExposed.com

Why is Donald Trump writing about Christmas trees and political correctness? Sure, he isn't a politician and therefore doesn't have to be pc but I don't see how commenting on Christmas decorations adds to the quality of this blog. He used to post very insightful views on success and other topics.

It is very interesting story Mr. Trump. One thing that impresses me is the courage of the rabbi to ask to airport officials for such a favor. I think that the decision for removing all the Christmas trees was hastened. My opinion is that the religious holidays should represent all communities and religions in America, especially in the cases when the respective population is distinguished

The traps of multinationalism...Everybody has to be content. With all due respect, the majority is the one which makes the rules. In a country where most are Christians, organization has to be done in a Christian manner and the immigrants should understand why. It's like visiting your relatives who have their house decorated in the Pop Art style and start changing everything to your liking. Once you've agreed to be part of a system you have to follow its rules without becoming its slave. Paradoxical, but not impossible.

What the Rabbi asked the airport oficials was purly positive and correct. He wanted his religious symbol to be advertised like that of the christians. What is wrong with this question? It is not only the christians who use that particular airport, even if they seem to be the majority.
Because the business principle states all customers as kings, I would not decline to this request if i was an official incharge.

I love to celebrate diversity. What is wrong with having secular Christmas, religious Christmas, Hanakuh, Kwanza, Chinese New Years, Diwali, and any other culturally relevant holidays. The best New Year's celebration ever was when my 6 year old son and I watched a Sesame Street New Year show in the afternoon- then went out and bought things to celebrate the New Year according to ALL the customs (noisemakers, fireworks, pastries, apples and honey etc). The next year we decided to incorporate all the holidays of the world into Christmas. There was even one year that we discovered a web site devoted to an Icelandic Christmas- that one was a lot of fun! If everything is celebrated, then no one should be offended- although there are always those "all or none" people who would be offended

There was one heartening thing about this situation - the airport employees took up a collection to buy some smaller trees. Nice to see a little employee uprising in this case! :)

What Seattle airpot needs is a statue of Santa drinking a Caramel Frapacino with his pal Frosty

I agree with you. We are getting to soft in this country. We are so worried about who we will offend that we can't allow anyone to get upset. We need to grow more backbone. We need so stop being so timid and learn how to get things done.

One should not worry too much and do what one think is OK.

You are so right on that one DOnald! I hear on other news that they are trying to do away with Christmas. Well Ilove Christmas and I know who my LOrd and Savior JEsus Christ is and what HE stands for my life and will always celebrate His birth and put up my trees and decor because it is MY belief!Those who are faithful in little will be given more and will one day hear the blessed words, "Well done, you good and faithful servant." THat wou ld be like dictators telling me not to celebrate my own birthday for which I was given life to represenet my heavenly Father while here on earth in order that others can see that I am a blessed child of GOd! THis world is definately coming to an end and I am so glad that I will live throughout eternity with My Heavenly Father!

I believe The Don is writing this in reaction to his Palm beach flag dispute and I have to agree with what he's implying here. It's a shame that such minute actions suddenly become such a big political & religious dispute that in the end it becomes a big waste of time and energy. The American flag is a symbol of our country and the Christmas tree, for the most part, signifies the joyous and cheerful time of the holidays. People need to stop bending the truth and ignoring the obvious.

everone needs to stop and think about what this country was founded on AND NOT BE SO SELF CENTERED TAKE ABREAK!!!!!!!!!!!
BILL

There is no good reason to celebrate any occasion. We were sent here to suffer and try to make as much money as possible while doing so. This is the joy/pain paradox.

Hi,
Fisrt you have my HERO sinceI was a real little boy in the hood. My mother use to call little Donald Trump. I was always doing something that was head me in that direction. Thanks will see you Jan.7, 2007
My belief is that people should listen to you no mather what you tell them who knows more about getting money in real estate then the Man. your show it's cool but some of those kids don't have a clue, they must know someone( we all need to know someone that can guilde us to the promiseland . You can and should your school should more people in it then any place what more could you what to learn then How to Get rich.
You are a great man Thanks
I won't let you down . I going to be one of your Top Students.
I wish and pray one day you will see the Little Donald in me and take me under your WING. show me the in's and out's.
I like to learn and you are the only one teaching what I need and won't to learn.
Thanks Again for just giving me and the rest of the world a chance to get well informed.
You got the Hook Up.

Dear Donald,

We're tired.

Please spare us anymore of your evil, mean spirited tirants. Rosie is a comic, comics make fun of people She wasn't the first comic to make fun of you and she won't be the last. She was just the first one to do it in front of an audience of millions of people all over the world and clearly, you're not handling it all that well.

Futhermore - it's disgusting that you are more concerned about your 'money' reputation than that of being a faithfull husband and father.

No one cares about your view of Rosie O'Donnell. Barbara just shot you down on the View, your show will fail, your marriage will fail and in 5 years from now we'll all be posting messages about the days when people actually used to look up to you.

You're pathetic . . . get over yourself

I agree, it's like nobody has any balls these days. I was always taught to stand for what I believe in. Too many people are afraid they will make someone else mad. To me, trying to please everybody is the key to failure.
No Christmas trees, Your flags too big, don't spank your kids in Wal-Mart, where does it all end?
My advice to people is to be bold and show some balls.
Great blog, Mr. Trump. I look forward to reading many more.

I agree with you Donald. Is society really becoming so thin-skinned?

I love that we have a free and multi-cultural society.

What is frustrating at times, is the way media blows up cvertain instances, and then others gather around for their 15 seconds of fame.

It seems that decisions are being driven

Political correctness seems to be the downfall direction our country wants to take - at least you're not following suit. It's refreshing to see people taking a stand against this p.c. nonsense. Speak your mind, with measured and intelligent thoughts. All this banning of Christmas is downright silly, and I'm not even much of a Christian. To most people I know here it has little to do with the religious aspect of the holiday anymore, only family, togetherness and America.

Good

I couldn't agree more - people need to have some guts & remember what this country is for & what it represents - being politically correct means you might as well run to Russia or Iran or Iraq where you have to be politically correct or die.

But then again isn't that what our forefathers lived & died for - with out their guts & leadership none of us would have the freedom we have here is the usa - soooo - lets not lose it - be a man & stand up !

Shame on you, Mr. Trump, for playing the sexual orientation card! In calling Rosie O'Donell a "degenerate," you essentially called one out of every ten Americans living in this country today a, "degenerate."

Gay people are born gay; we do not choose our role in life, nor do we choose who we will love.

Perhaps Rosie, like so many of us, grew a thick skin and a sharp tongue in an attempt, not only to protect herself, but to strike back at those that are so quick to judge and condemnm her for what she is?

Mr. Trump, being a fan of both Rosie and yourself, do you really expect me to choose sides, or moreover, despise the very diversity that is abundant in me and countless others living in this country?

...I think not...

Mr. Trump, rethink your war. It is a war in which you will ultimately lose...

I think people need to get a grip on what is theirs and what is not and what is realistic and what is simply stupid. If someone wants to see their religious holiday ornaments displayed, they should make the most of their home space. The Christmas tree is not considered a religious symbol, is it? Is there a song, 'Oh Christmas menorrah'? Do Jews even celebrate Christmas? Good grief. The nuts are outnumbering the little logic left in the world. I think soon enough, I'll be able to have Christmas banned without even having a valid reason

I am with The Donald on all this "Rosie" hoopla. She makes me crazy. And even though I am a remarried mother of two, working for minimum wage, not so beautiful overweight 37 year old minority, I totaly agree with with him that underage drinking is unacceptable. Especially when you are in a position that can influence teens or children. She broke the law. It's plain and simple.

I THINK INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES SHOULD BE ABLE TO PUT ANY HOLIDAY OR RELIGIOUS DECORATIONS THEY WANT, IF SOMEONE ELSE DOESN'T LIKE IT, TOO BAD. THE RABBI CAN DECORATE HOW HE WISHES AT HIS HOME OR CHURCH. IT MAKES ME SICK THE LIBERAL LEFT IDIOTS WHO WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT PRAYER IN SCHOOL, NATIVITY SCENES, AND WAL-MARTS SAYING MERRY CHRISTMAS TO PEOPLE. EVERYONE HAS CHOICES, IF PEOPLE DON'T AGREE WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE, DON'T GO THERE ANYMORE.

I am Jewish ~ and live in a fairly large Jewish community in Cleveland. Our business allows a large outside Menorah ~ which has become a tradition in our Jewish neighborhood. Many other businesses put up beautiful Christmas trees and Nela Park (a GE facility) puts up a Christmas display using hundreds of thousands of lights! It is all beautiful. I don't care if someone says Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays - the sediment is clear. I love the holiday season and many places in this country do not have the opportunity to experience all the beautiful celebrations as we do in Cleveland......Its the spirit that makes us who we are in America!

Hey Donald - I like both you and Rosie (I have very electic taste in people)..Rosie did go overboard with her comments - BUT - I am a bit surprised that you would engage in the same.. Whatever Barbara said about the situation in confidence (or not) you are just to REFINED to kiss and tell. Let it go - you have so many other wonderful things going on and you have always been tasteful...don't waste it on this!

If Donald spent half of his energy on his marriage and children and was true to himself he might know what it is like to truly lead a happy life. Right now he is just an arrogant, chauvanistic, pompous reason that thousands of girls and women have eating disorders in this world. The fact that he 'decided' that Miss USA would go to rehab-what a 'hero' he is-after making the Miss USA pagaent about how thin one can be and ultimately teaches men to respect a woman only for her looks. It is pretty apparent that Barbara Walters is starting to see the 'real' Donald Trump-too bad Caroline didn't see him before he fired her! She deserved better too!The only reason she got fired was because she was more popular then he was!It's sad to see someone so miserable as Donald Trump!

Mr. Trump,
Before I heard your comments on Rosie the pig, I must say, I really could care less about what you had to say. Since the entire Rosie incident, you have my undivided attention. I've realized that you and I share more views on things such as this, that I ever imagined. In short, you are definately someone I admire. I absolutely love how you "shoot from the hip" and don't try and pretty things up. I'm the same way. I also admire your success. I came from a no name place in the middle of Oklahoma and have lived in LA for the past five years. I know what it's like to come from nothing, clawing my way to the top of the heap to succeed. First and foremost, I highly commend you on a personal level. I also commend you on your financial achievements. You have my respect for life. -Den Johnson

Christmastrees are best.

Very funny! Jesus, Buddha, Krisna, Rama, Maitreya, Melchizedek, Zoroaster, Alah-One in different manifestations. We have milk in glass, tetrapack, plastic bottles. But it's the milk we eat. I like to buy it in tetrapack, with special opening system:-)

I have lost a lot of respect for you, Mr. Trump. Leave Rosie alone. Let your little situation with her be over. You were horrible rude to Meredith Viera on NBC this morning and I think that everything you do is just a ploy for attention. Call me what you want to call me but I'm a fat Jewish Lesbian with a mixed child. I've left nothing for you to make fun of. You're a rude man with too much money. Someone needs to bring you down a few pegs. I'm up for the challenge.

it amazing the extent to which people take religious issues, they kind of add this hypocritical touch to it, there

I spent two christmases visiting the Philippines - Boy what a refreshing surprise to see Nativity scences everywhere, and people free to express their religion.

Mr. Trump

In Canada and the United States there is so much multi-culturalism that we seem to be bending over backwards to accommodate these other cultures. I have been back and forth to Europe over a period of twenty-five years and was married to a Greek citizen who came to Canada when he was fifteen. I was refused work in Greece because they hire their own people first even though, I owned property bought through marriage in their country. When we travel to European countries or any country for that matter we cannot bend their rules and laws to accommodate our liking why do they think we should rewrite the law book for them. I'm all for multiculturalism, but will not accommodate their ignorance of our culture, religion, and laws.

Proud to be a Canadian eh! (I think).

Respectfully,
Connie Anger/Kapogianes
163 Myrtle St.
St. Thomas, ON.
N5R 2G6
Canada
519-868-5623

I vote for Mr. Donald Trump for President of the United States of America! I hope he can pencil it in-Trump's, The Wealth Builder's student 2007. Happy, Prosperous, and Healthy New Year! Hello to my coach and his family too!
Dominick-Washington State

Because this nation was founded on Christian principles, it is the main reason we are a world leader and it is also a reason we are so inclusive of other cultures (to our detriment I might add). We have to remember that as a Christian Nation in the majority we must voice our position to the powers that be on major religious issues, and issues such as this one concerning a CHRISTmas tree no matter how minute.

In response to the man who said people are born Gay, do some research from unbiased experts in this field, and pick up a Bible to learn that we are made fearfully and wonderfully in Gods image, not gay.

Donald, Donald!
I am getting really worried about your MENTAL state!

I saw you this morning with Meredith Viera...and you let her have it!

Donald, what is it with you and women right now?

First, Martha Stewart, then Caroline Kepcher, then Rosie O'Donnell, and now Meredith Viera!
Next, it will be the great Barbara Walters!

Doanld, I am telling you that I am worried so much about you right now.

You see, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and Craig Ferguson, to name but a few MEN have all made fun of you over the years. But now, it seems to be the WOMEN you are going for the jugular with.

Donald, let it go already! You are going to suffer in your business world, I feel is this continues.

Leave it alone and move along with your life...

They will soon be calling you a WOMAN BASHER next...

Donald, please stop all this madness...Please...:(

I agree with you 100%. I'd also like to say "Bravo". I heard on the radio this morning that you were awarding Wesley Autrey $10,00.00. I think that's fantastic and as usual, you're always there doing the right thing. Thanks

I'm with Donald on his interview with Merideth Viera. Rosie isn't even worth mentioning. Her comments were about him personally and financially and when he commented back she pulls the Gay card. Should he have said she's just mad because I'm not gay?
Rosie is a loud mouth, uninformed person period. It doesn't matter if she's gay, straight or purple polka dotted. Someone spoke back about her shooting off her mouth and she got mad that they had "the nerve" to disagree. No one cares about what she's says and no one but her thinks she's all that and a bag of chips.

Mr. Trump:

Discussions of your obvious business acumen aside, you have been trumpeting a straw man argument to dodge the real point of Rosie's rant: there is nothing in your very public private life that shows you to be any kind of role model for morality.

I don't think anyone out there disputes giving Miss USA her "second chance." (Ms. O'Donnell did not, though you have attempted to inaccurately portray her comments otherwise.) Nor does anyone dispute that you obviously have the business authority to make those decisions as the owner of the pageant(s). However, you should not be surprised at the laughter and disgust you encounter over a tawdry grab for publicity where you attempt to portray your-philandering-self as some sort of kindly "Father Flannagan."

If you are going to put on such ridiculous displays, at least have a sense of humor about it.

Although, I guess the danger of fame is when the celebrity actually starts to believe his or her own hype.

Donald, I am with you 500% on this Rosie thing. She needs to be put in her place and you put her there.Great success on Apprentice 6!!

You know what, some of the things that Donald Trump has to say is no better the Rosie. No I am not defending her, because I cannot stand her, but he should have been more of a gentleman about it and said "no comment". he is no better then she is, calling her names and calling anyone and everyone who even mentions her name those same names. Two wrongs do not make a right. It is also not professional as well. to defend one's self is to ignore people like Rosie, and maybe she would go away, and not call names.

Dear Mr. Trump,

I'm with you on this one! Am so tired of of this "freedom-from-religion" phenomemon that tries to silence everyone's beliefs!!!

Am also sick to death of unattractive, loud, crude and obnoxious behavior, so typical of Rosie O'Donnell. We're supposed to just accept it with a smile because she's a "female" and gay!!!???? Who cares! I just wish she'd shut up. Am so disgusted with her behavior now and ever since she "proclaimed" that she's gay and adopting children! Wow! big deal! Why doesn't she do something worthwhile. Am glad you've decided not to allow it without protest. Just don't give her too much attention/credibility please. She craves the attention, and had not talent to otherwise warrant it!

The View has become a forum for bitching women - who needs it!

I agree with Mr. Trump on this whole Rosie issue. I don't know either one of them personally, but at least Mr. Trump has brains and talent. Rosie stuck her nose where it didn't belong and decided to insult Mr. Trump in the doing. I find her to be a rude person with no talent at all.

In reponse to Derek's response it is true that the christmas tree has been representative of christianity since approximately 1000AD when it was adopted

I had the opportunity to visit the Trump building two weeks ago (Dec.19th) and saw the beautiful "Christmas Tree" in the lob

Did you understand what you just said in this post and can you see how it relates to you and Rosie O'Donnell? The hell with political correctness, ; lets just live according to what the constitution affords us. Freedom of speech is still a freedom, unless...

Please don't allow Ivanka to become more publicly involved in the incident with you and Rosie. Ivanka is much too beautiful!

Please be a bigger man as the world once recognized and close the door on the Rosie O'Donnell issue and create something wonderful for the world, again!

if Rosie she keeps it up, buy the show (without her knowing) and come on to fire her - great television!!

Mr. Trump,

Everbody is not worried about being politically correct. I am not. Perhaps you forget the great majority of parents that put up Christmas lights, Nativity scenes, trees, go to Christmas services or mid-night Mass and play Santa with their children year in and year out. My son to this day believes that he saw Santa's black boots under the door when he was younger. He is 12 now and his belief in Santa has been transformed into a strong belief in Christ and His message of forgiveness and love.

Sir, you are in a position of leadership. Please do not spread fear or worry about those who pass laws or about cultural fads and trends. Harrod ruled, Pontius Pilot decreed, Rome dictated and all of this faded away but not the celebration of the birth of Christ. The way in which it is celebrated has changed from culture to culture over time and spread through the world. It will continue to spread and change. You can put your faith and trust in that truth. Spread the Word!!!

I strongly disagree with Mr. Trump on the Rosie issue. She simply misspoke in a way that could be taken as referring to a personal bankruptcy on his part rather than a business bankruptcy. I'm stunned and shocked at the nonstop, loud tirade of cheap digs at her, as they are completely unprofessional coming out of the mouth of a successful titan such as him. He looks more and more unprofessional with every salvo. I'm questioning why I should take business advice from one who would be so small and undiplomatic. It's ugly and unflattering. Plus, it does make me wonder why he is screaming like a stuck pig just because somebody mentioned the

Mr. Trump

Please, please enough with Rosie. It is starting to make you look like a cranky old man. Take the higher road and let it die.

Happy New Year

Dan Sullivan

Some of the Founders of America/USA made it a crime to celebrate Christmas, or to read the Bible anyway except their way.
Therefore neither the tree nor the the Book made us great. Respecting that we could disagree and still live in peace made us strong.
The Tree was adopted from older pre- Christian religions, marking the dark days of the northern hemisphere. Any light is a celebration, from trees or Menorahs. Enjoy both.
I can enjoy the celebration of life represented

Donald Trump gave a gift (to all willing to take the time to notice) a belated holiday gift celebrating the spirit of the season that unifies us all. He gifted the man who risked his life to save the life of a stranger 10,000 and a trip to Disney to share with the family he risked abandoning. I am so touched

I agree totally with Donald Trump 100%. Political correctness is killing this country. I feel sorry fot the people who cannot understand this.

Could we pass a law that beautiful buildings on 5th Ave. should not be allowed to hang tacky banners advertising TV shows? I live on Central Park So. and would never live in a Trump building. As for the other matters, civility is not a matter of political correctness it is a matter of respect. Rosie is a comedian who does a lot of charitable work, especially with children. Also,no matter how many Christians live here the United States is not a Christian country and the request for a menorah is not a radical act.

THE THING THAT GETS ME MOST ABOUT CHRISTMAS, IS THAT NOBODY SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE DAY WAS OF A KID BEING BORN AND SHOWERED WITH GIFTS! YES JESUS CHRIST IT REALLY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH RELIGION OR ANYONE ELSE RECEIVING ANYTHING! THAT WAS ALL BROUGHT ON FAR LATER TO AMUSE THE MASSES WITH OLD JOLLY! SO I DONT SEE WHY ANYONE TALKS OF ANY RELIGION ON THIS BIRTHDAY OF A KID NAMED CHRIST!

ABOUT THE ROSIE ORDEAL,
I'VE WATCHED THIS GO ON LONG ENOUGH AND DONALD I FEEL YOUR LOSING AND HERES WHY! AS YOU STATED ROSIE IS A NOTHING BASICALLY! HERE YOU KNOW THIS YET YOU BRING YOURSELF TO HER LEVEL THERE

It just makes me want to scream as I hear yet another news story on the Rosie and Donald war of words. Enough already. If that kind of air time was given to the Immune Deficiency Foundation or the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, we might have taken giant steps in finding better treatments and financial help for these children and their families. My grandson is one of them and my nightmare is that I will probably outlive him. The life expectancy of these children is usually not beyond their teens. Our family and all the other families living with this nightmare need news on medical breakthroughs, financial help for co-pay and deductible expenses, bone marrow transplant expenses, expenses on moving to a city with the experts, etc. etc. etc. I sit here flabbergasted to hear t.v. story after story about this ridiculous bickering between Mr. Trump and Rosie O'Donnell while my daughter and I struggle to find a way to get her family moved near UCLA or the Lucille Packard Center in California without going bankrupt. Bottom line Mr. Trump -- why don't you use the endless publicity you can generate to help the lives of these "bubble boy" children? I would have been much more impressed to hear you say something like ---- "Instead of responding to Rosie, I'm like to take this time to tell you about some children I have learned about . . ." Now that would have been grace under fire. But as I continually see, the famous and the wealthy really don't have a clue about the struggles of those of us in the middle. It's sad. My challenge to you is to change your tactics and use this free publicity to gain help for these kids and their families. I would think it was just shy of a miracle if the immune deficient children got that kind of attention from you. If nothing else, thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

As I look at this Mr.Trump - Rosie issue, I could try to look at it "impartial", but I believe doing so would be like closing my eyes and running. The issue is about success and way of life, Rosie attacked that, so Mr. Trump is absolutely and 100% correct in both his feelings and his attitude. You call that unproffessional? That's like me diagnosing myself at the doctor's office, Mr. Trump, proven again and again through his endless success, has both set the standard and raised the bar on what proffessionalism looks like. For a man to be as successful as Mr. Trump you need to have zero tolerance for stupidy, notice I didn't use the word ignorance (it doesn't apply here), and I beleive Mr. Trump has shown that he truly doesn't have a tolerance for it, and for that I applaud him. Lastly, seeing Rosie bring to light any, and I quote, "financial failures" of Mr. Trump, is simply pathetic. Calling anything that Mr. Trump does a "financial failure", is the equivalent of saying that because a plane crashes we should all take boats. Get real people, this is real life, if your fat and offended, then you should solve the first problem before addressing the later. Keep it up, Mr. Trump, I admire you.

Hi Mr. Trump, If you don't mind, I'd like to make a comment about the Seattle airport situation. First of all, I'm part of your Real Estate Investing course, and I have the greatest respect for you and for your team. I'm learning so much from all of you. As a member of the Jewish community, I feel that I can honestly say that no one of the Jewish faith wants to feel like the Grinch who stole Christmas. I'm a Jewish girl who grew up in a small Christian town, and we all have respect for each others traditions. As much as I enjoy the Christmas carols and decorations at this time of the year, most people don't realize that those of us who are not of the Christian faith do feel somewhat saturated and left out of a tradition which we do not belong to. It's wonderful that in the last few years now the White House also has a Hannukah Menorah, as well as a beautiful Christmas tree. In a way, many of us wish that people would say Happy Holidays more often, to include people of all faiths. Our great country symbolizes freedom of religion for all faiths, even though the Christian faith has the most focus in our culture and around the world. I hope that I can reassure you and everyone that now of us want to be a Grinch and steal anything away from anyone. It just would make a lot of us from different faiths to feel better if the holiday time of the year would include other holidays too. Merry Christmas is a beautiful greeting, but so is happy Holidays, which is more inclusive and leaves no one out. I hope you understand how I feel and what I'm trying to say, which is meant with my deepest respect for people of all faiths. Well, my very best wishes to you and your family, Mr. Trump, and to all of you at Trump University for a Happy and Healthy New Year. Sincerely, Miriam Linkimer

In a traditional blessing at a contemporary start in January, fashion rides like chariots throughout the third level of silver minds. So there is something to show the world since it comes from a feeling inside of spacious peace. Then as Barbara has the View and Donald has Adventure Pert, only time gets pressured to be available with friendly choices in a value worth seeing. Value has an efficient way of being available for you as you like it, since it's definitely not confusing but easy to be a choice at a pressured time. Mercy isn't letting you go until it is prepared. A demon is the agent or source or spirit or energy of distress, evil, harm, or ruin, that is deprived of value and stopped being used as a monetary standard. The View vs. Adventure Pert : which goes global first ?

Now if the airport authorities had followed Peter Drucker's advice, they would have already had a plan for how to handle that situation in advance and probably avoided the public outcry. Crisis management is taking time to plan ahead thus avoiding the crisis altogether. Every crisis should hold a learning opportunity, a solution, or both.

Don't you prefer to just be yourself and be direct rather than being politically correct?