The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

February 10, 2009

<img src="http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/new.gif" border=0>1:50 p.m. State Rep. Bryan Stevenson apologizes for Civil War comment


JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri House member has apologized for any offense caused when he referred to the Civil War as the “War of Northern Aggression.”

The comment from Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, came during debate today on a resolution urging federal leaders to oppose an abortion proposal that could overrule many state-level restrictions.

Stevenson said it would be the “greatest power grab by the federal government since the War of Northern Aggression.”

The remark prompted House member Don Calloway, a Democrat from St. Louis, to request an apology. Calloway, who is black, said the Civil War restored the union and freed the slaves and it’s inappropriate to call it “Northern aggression.”

Stevenson responded that he is “sincerely apologetic for any offense my comment made.”

The House didn’t vote on the abortion resolution.