"So, just wondering, will this just be seen as the judge being civil as well as culturally savvy, or will it balloon into another example of 'betrayal of American values'? Any guesses?"

I'd guess it'll go both ways.

I myself would think the judge being civil and non-prejudiced to whom he rules in his cases.

There'll sadly always be those loones who like to make an issue out of nothing, just because they can.

"betraying American Values" would be to Silence people from speaking words and phrases in different languages, oh you know... What I would consider one of our freedoms.

These people who try to condemn others for things that aren't illegal nor negitive, are really the ones who are showing betrayal of American Values. imo.

Freedom, Peace, & Brotherhood (Sisterhood) to name a few American Values.