Godfather Bratton
[Guest post by Jack Dunphy]
KNBC television reported yesterday that LAPD Chief William Bratton employed some very colorful and cinematic language in seeking to quash dissent within the department over the recent SWAT controversy. “You’re all familiar with ‘The Godfather’ movie” he told reporters, “and throughout most of the movie the Corleones are getting banged around pretty good and then Michael makes a statement that all debts will be settled. And at the end of the movie, all debts are settled in a very bloody way . . . I’m more than willing to take the slings and arrows for a couple more weeks, but like Michael Corleone, I’ll get my time.”
Thus is the chief of police threatening what one can only hope is a figurative rather than literal rubbing out for anyone who dares to question his wisdom. As of this writing, the remarks have received no coverage in the Los Angeles Times. Try to imagine our sophisticated betters at the Times being just as blasé if former Chief Daryl Gates had said anything even remotely similar.
Even worse, the Los Angeles Police Commission, Bratton’s titular bosses, held their regular weekly meeting this morning, yet no one on the Commission dared remind the chief that his comments might have been a bit over the top, and that anyone of lower rank who had said the same thing would be facing a lengthy suspension.
It’s hard to say who comes out looking worse in this, Bratton, the editors at the Times, or the police commissioners.
— Jack Dunphy
PATTERICO ADDS: Jack, remind me again why you write under a pseudonym?
It didn’t do Michael Corleone much good, either.
DRJ (a431ca) — 3/25/2008 @ 4:53 pm“Police Chief William Bratton said Monday that the public presentation of a confidential report on the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT unit will silence critics who have spread misinformation since the report was leaked to the media last week.
But what about the critics who did not spread misinformation but instead read the report through for themselves and remain, still critical?
Dana (fba430) — 3/25/2008 @ 4:55 pmAs the writer who began this criticism, I find myself a bit concerned for my safety, given the bloody reference and the Chief’s supposed role in my security.
I must ask: Was this remark a threat directed at me?
Robert C. J. Parry (12fead) — 3/25/2008 @ 5:03 pmWow, he really is a moron. To compare himself to Michael Corleone of The Godfather trilogy? Ummmmmm, he was a murderous criminal. Mr. Bratton ought to watch his mouth, straighten up and fly right. He is now writing more checks that he, nor this city can afford to cash. Someone close to him might want to let him know that we are under a Federal Consent decree which frowns on creating a hostile work environment! I am feeling a little cramped here and in fear for my professional future. It’s time for Bratton to head on over to the Museum of Tolerance, for some tools for tolerance. That’s were he sends up when we need to get in touch with our softer side.
If I made comments like that and they were recorded, and a complaint generated, I would be looking at a reduction in rank, loss of pay, between 10 and 20 days off, and possibly fired. The Citizens or Officers I directed a comment like that towards would only have to say to IA they are in fear of what I might do and that could be enough for me to be the next front page story about a Cop abusing his power. And rightfully so! But Bratton and the upper ranks get a pass? Typical. Now the city can see what kind of heal this guy and his ilk really are! Talk about a double standard.
Robert, I would take his threats seriously! It sounded like a direct threat on your safety, by a Government official. Criminal Threats, and I’m sure there is a Federal crime that he has committed under the color of authority? Perhaps Bratton should also pick up a copy of the California Penal Code, United States Constitution and the Bill Of Rights! As a Police Officer and a Citizen I am deeply disturbed by his lack of self control and guttural articulation. What a stain on the LAPD and Law Enforcement he has become.
I bet the news paper of record for the west coast will give him a pass! Also typical, and one of the reasons their readership has plumeted! No credibility!
Ed O'Shea (56a0a8) — 3/25/2008 @ 5:39 pmAs the writer who began this criticism, I find myself a bit concerned for my safety, given the bloody reference and the Chief’s supposed role in my security.
I must ask: Was this remark a threat directed at me?
No. Just the blustering of a worthless, ineffectual blowhard. A real Michael Corleone would never threaten you nor warn you. He would make you think you were his best friend. He would invite you to dinner and you would only know he did not really like you when St. Peter told you so.
nk (34c5da) — 3/25/2008 @ 5:46 pmAs you said, NK, Michael Corleone would never have spoken the way Chief Bratton did and I agree that Chief Bratton isn’t as bright as Corleone. But that doesn’t mean he’s unwilling to use his power.
I would take Chief Bratton at his word, Mr. Parry.
DRJ (a431ca) — 3/25/2008 @ 5:51 pmil capo di tutti coppi!
assistant devil's advocate (2d7259) — 3/25/2008 @ 7:11 pmalso, i wanted to suggest that he more closely reflects the character of fredo corleone. will i get a horse head in my bed for this?
assistant devil's advocate (2d7259) — 3/25/2008 @ 7:14 pmOh, come on. Has the LAPD gone back to the Chief Horrall days? Does Bratton have goon squads, doing whatever he wants them to do, operating with total impunity? Or is he going to do his own hits himself?
nk (34c5da) — 3/25/2008 @ 7:15 pmI must ask: Was this remark a threat directed at me?
It’s not personal, Robert. It’s strictly business.
Patterico (4bda0b) — 3/25/2008 @ 7:27 pmNever fear, Robert. I have been assured that there will be no acts of retribution…
Scott Jacobs (d3a6ec) — 3/25/2008 @ 7:36 pmTalk to the LA Daily News. They’d love grinding this story in the LAT’s face. And they like standing up for the underdog, not the downtown Los Angeles power structure.
Bradley J. Fikes (1c6fc4) — 3/25/2008 @ 9:10 pmalso, i wanted to suggest that he more closely reflects the character of fredo corleone.
He’s more like Michael Corleone from Godfather II.
Which is to say, cruel, paranoid, and the true villain of the piece.
Daryl Herbert (4ecd4c) — 3/25/2008 @ 9:23 pmMichael Corleone would at least put a dent in our gang problems.
Does this make Antonio, Tataglia?
Ed (4d72af) — 3/26/2008 @ 1:22 amLuca Parry sleeps with the fiskers?
cfbleachers (4040c7) — 3/26/2008 @ 10:04 amCJ
As the writer who began this criticism, I find myself a bit concerned for my safety, given the bloody reference and the Chief’s supposed role in my security.
I must ask: Was this remark a threat directed at me?
Reverse the direction and you will soon find his SWAT team at your door! One can almost bank on such!
TC (1cf350) — 3/26/2008 @ 11:53 pm