Am I going crazy, or is this country spinning out of control, allowing a few to dictate how we live? I am referring to the latest headlines: Christmas tree removed from airport in Washington because one rabbi requested a Menorah be erected next to the tree.

So, what do we do, but cave in and remove the Christmas tree for fear of excluding someone. No, that isn't the reason at all. It's fear of another frivolous lawsuit.

This is America. It's a tradition at Christmas time in our country that we decorate a tree when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. All countries have traditions; all families have traditions. One of our sons lived three years in Holland with his family, and it is a tradition where they lived, that each family member sets a wooden shoe on their porch at Christmas time for St. Nick to fill.

What's wrong with that? Nothing. But did they protest to the Dutch government because we don't do that in our country? No!

But if they had, can you imagine what that government's reaction would have been? After the laughter died down, they would have let them know, “This is a tradition in our country, and if you don't like it, don't participate, but M.Y.O.B. This is our tradition.”

Ask yourself, would this Menorah serve as a reminder to anyone, that we are celebrating Jesus' birthday? I hardly think so.

To our dear precious Jewish friends I wish to say, when it comes time for you to celebrate Hanukkah, God bless you. You have a reason to celebrate, and I promise you I won't protest your way of celebrating, and to all others who celebrate different religious holidays. But please afford me and others, the same right to celebrate Jesus' birthday on Dec. 25.

Sharon Price

Sciotoville

Reader: why has the NFL not been asked to help upgrade Spartan?

I have been a substitute teacher and volunteer youth coach for Portsmouth the past five years and it is great that the stadium will be upgraded and new facilities built, thanks to the unbelievable $10 million donation.

My children will get to play and cheer in these facilities in the future and the community will have something to be excited about. But I cannot believe that the NFL has not been asked nor offered to help upgrade Spartan Stadium!

It is one of the oldest remaining NFL stadiums and has rich tradition.

There is probably some sort of grassroots program that they have which could help fund and rebuild the stadium and our city. Have we been forgotten by them and left for dead? Advice for the school board and city: Contact the NFL.

Mark Morrow

Portsmouth