George Stevens

The threatening verbal attack by City Councilman George Stevens against Councilman Tom Behr is ominous. The confrontation appears to have included “fighting words” to intimidate Behr.

The press made it appear like a two-sided altercation. Stevens was portrayed as an aggressive representative of his constituents.

But the story would have been markedly different if a white had threatened a black council member.

There would be immediate calls for a civil rights investigation, street demonstrations, etc.

Unfortunately, there are still people who believe that civil rights are reserved only to certain protected minorities.

In the ‘90s, hopefully, civil rights will be restored to all citizens.

RALPH W. BALLMER, Escondido