George Stevens

In response to “Stevens Calls Behr ‘White Racist Boy’ ” (Aug. 12), I cannot believe an elected official, the Rev. George Stevens, would think he can make such a blatant, racist remark in a public forum. Stevens was elected by the people of his district to represent African-American citizens that dominate this part of the city. Stevens has accomplished a lot in his few months as a city councilman. His crusade to take back the neighborhood from the gangs and drug dealers is a shining example.

But a darker side of Stevens has recently emerged. He is a racist, anti-white. The rude, vulgar statements he made to fellow Councilman Tom Behr at that City Council meeting and his subsequent physical attack should be condemned by every citizen of this fine city. He is exemplifying the very criminal behavior he so ardently crusades against on the streets of San Diego.

If Stevens cannot control his obvious dislike for non-African-American citizens as an elected official, he should immediately resign from his elected office. The City Council cannot, and should not, tolerate a racist official regardless of his skin color.

I am quite certain that if a white or Hispanic council member had made such overt racist remarks to a black council member, the mayor and City Council would be so outraged that immediate action would be taken. The public and the media would be crying out for action.

White persons are certainly not the only racists in this world. Stevens is an embarrassment to the African-Americans he claims to represent.

JOHN D. HALSEY, San Diego