So now we know why 300 people blocked Vine Street on the evening of April 15. Now we know why white motorists were pelted with rocks, bottles, eggs and racial slurs.

        Frustration.

        That was the conclusion Tuesday at Cincinnati City Council's Law and Public Safety Committee.

        “We see very serious concerns with where we were in April a year ago and where we are this year,” said Cecil Thomas, director of the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission.

        “There have been a lot of studies and programs on paper, but we need to implement those programs. Right now, people in Over-the-Rhine don't see any change since last April. What happened last week is that the same frustration is there.”
       

No double talk

       Mr. Thomas is a good man in a tough spot. But I'd say what happened to white motorists on April 15 was racism. Cincinnati ought to admit it and quit pretending hate crimes come only in white.

        Mr. Thomas is right about one thing: All the programs and promises on paper mean nothing in Over-the-Rhine. All the study circles, hand-wringing and handouts to appease protesters have not trickled down to the street. Cincinnati is still just a hot day away from more violence.

        And what happened April 15 could have been much worse if the police had not shown determined restraint.

        As cops arrived to provide backup, Enquirer photographer Gary Landers saw one reach into the trunk of his cruiser for a shotgun.

        “One of the cops came out with a gun,” Mr. Landers said, “and the other ones said, "Put that damn thing away. What are you trying to start here?'”

        Several witnesses to this incident and others like it said there has been a disturbing change in Cincinnati: a new hostility against whites.

        “I was told, "Get your white ass out of here',” Mr. Landers said, “and I heard someone say, "We oughta just kill all you white ... and we wouldn't have no more problems.'”

        Mr. Thomas says the answer is education. “We had a lot of citizens just standing around watching,” he told council members. “We need to teach them how to defuse a situation before it reaches a point of physical violence.”
       

No double standards
        Councilman Chris Monzel, who asked for the hearing on the April 15 semi-riot, wanted to know how the community will be held accountable as part of Cincinnati's collaborative agreement between the city and black protest leaders.

        “It is clearly a very difficult task,” Mr. Thomas replied.

        Or, to put it another way — impossible. No matter what the “historic” deal says, no “community” can be held accountable for throwing rocks at “whitey.”

        But while we're talking about frustration, maybe it's time to apply some accountability to the Rev. Damon Lynch III and others in the Black United Front who have given permission for lawlessness by making heroes of looters and calling riots a “rebellion.”

        Assistant Police Chief Rick Janke has the right idea. He said police will be prepared next time to make arrests for hate crimes: “The only accountability is to lock people up.”

        E-mail pbronson@enquirer.com or call 768-8301.
       

Alton Coleman finally faces justice
Builder target of inquiry
Transplant ends need for insulin
Catholics cheer pope's statement on sex abuse
Church blames racial climate for concert delay
Cop called sometimes overeager
Dayton grand jury seeks priest records
Lemmie prepares to shuffle top posts
'Lesson' author speaks to crowd on novel's origins
Park-tax fight all about green
Police recount Vine St. incident
Tristate A.M. Report
BRONSON: No excuses
HOWARD: Some Good News
AMOS: Survivors' march
City to buy flood-prone home
Conspiracy case goes to grand jury
Drive-by shooting damages house, car
Ex-athlete gets 5 years on probation
From interim to top o' heap
Lakota rejects mediation idea
Since when is Law Day a big deal?
Teacher's case in court
Warren County receives grant for its children
Ohio bicentennial won't be quiet one
Traficant seeks new trial, says judge violated rights
Boone taking plunge on pools
Death penalty joins budget debate
Keeping the boss on track
Kentucky News Briefs
Learning Center raises fears
Suit may delay runway plan
Trial begins in death of airline pilot