Lack of statesmanship

Commissioner Clinton Baller published some vitriolic and damaging statements about two (candidates' supporters), who are Jewish, in a way that chilled the spines of those who recognize the history of – and may have directly suffered from – religious hatred.

He denied the charge that his words had any base in racism or bias. And the ethics committee accepted his denial based on the absence of rules specifically regarding certain phrases.

It seems to me that rather than ranting at those who felt victimized and threatened by his remarks, he might have chosen to be a gentleman and apologize for any hurt feelings he may have inadvertently ignited. He could have still maintained his "innocence" of intentional discriminatory language while he recognized the painful history that is the core of this sensitivity.

Enlist statesmanship, Mr. Baller. Your brand of venomous contempt is not what any citizen prefers to humane and diplomatic communications.

Sandra Tessler

Bloomfield Hills