The good news is that Sacramento has a new public safety watchdog in Lt Marcos Breton. The bad news is that he’s barking up the wrong political tree and doing the same thing all the other business-as-usual dinosaurs in this town do: Gang up on and condemn those who oppose their ideas.
In what must be one of the most disjointed, bass-ackwards opinion columns in the history of the Bee, the oft-maligned Breton has leveraged his Sunday column space to urge Bee readers to “gang up” on Sacramentans who oppose the simpleton “anti-gang” tax, on the grounds they are “cynics suffocating community consensus on a good idea….like a blanket of winter fog..”
The irony here is thicker than the “winter fog.” First, Breton, the Sacramento Strangler of free speech (as he proved early in the election season when he publicly admonished this OPINION BLOG as an “online smear site”), is the last person who should be accusing others of ASPHYXIATING the political process.
Second, is Fargo looking for a new campaign chief? Not only do she and Breton appear to share the same distorted definition of “consensus-building,” they both seem to think that one month’s worth of public discussion, and a “mini wave” of Natomas crime are good enough reasons to rush an anti-gang initiative out the door, and slap taxpayers with a .25% tax increase in the process–with essentially NO support from any law enforcement agencies, neighboring cities or counties.
The most troubling part of all this blind support for the tax increase (and the scolding of those who do not support it), is the fact that neither its authors (Fargo), nor its supporters (Breton) even knew there was a crime problem in Sacramento until Kevin Johnson told them about it last month, and now both are telling the public we have a CODE 3 crime problem that must be dealt with TODAY. “NOW” in Marcos’ alarmist words. Marcos even pulled a Karl Rove when he ominously warns in his column: “Do you need a lot more people to be killed between then and now to be convinced?” Convinced of WHAT? That the only way you can support your point of view is by making sweeping generalizations?
Last month both Fargo and Breton were singing a different tune. When Fargo was asked to react to the crime statistics KJ was sharing, she summarily dismissed them saying, “It’s not the mayor’s job to make people feel unsafe” and “residents have not told me there are any concerns about crime” and “the police here tell me we are tracking with other cities..” and “Johnson is just scaring people.” About the same time, her pal Breton was blogging about the Sac Kings playoff conspiracy and haplessly predicting a Fargo win in the primaries. Who would have ever guessed the two of them would be staging a CODE 3 emergency with voters today??
Amazing what a difference a month makes, huh? One minute there is not a crime problem, the next minute there is a crime problem ,and we need an emergency tax to solve it–DESPITE THE FACT that police just reported last week that crime has fallen substantially in Sacramento in the first six months of the year. Despite the fact that GANGS are only ONE PIECE of the crime problems facing the city. Despite the fact that a true STUDY of the issue would yield the needed details to put together a comprehensive package neighboring cities and counties could get behind, thus easing the burden on the working class, who are already under economic siege in this recession.
To be honest, Fargo’s flip-flopping and ignorance is not shocking to me. I have grown accustomed to her double-speak, hypocrisy, and elitist attitude. But Breton? I knew he was a bit thin on creativity, but never did I think he would support such a ridiculous tax initiative crafted by a BAND of politicians who didn’t even know there was a crime problem until last month. WOW.
I agree we have a crime problem. I was blogging about it before Marcos was and before it was en vogue. But unlike Marcos and Heather, I happen to believe in long term planning and careful study. I learned as a kid to always “look before I leap.” I highly recommend reactive, firefighter types like Breton and Fargo look into this age old adage.
A few final points.
One: I don’t disagree with Breton for supporting a crime initiative, I disagree with him for supporting the wrong one, and inciting the masses to gang up on those of us who do not support it.
Two: Marcos Breton should be ashamed of himself for suggesting that opponents of this anti-gang tax are cynics fouling up the democratic process, and preventing the city from addressing the crime problem here. I can only hope that one day Marcos recognizes the people who design the parachutes, the “cynics” as Breton calls them, are every bit as important as the people who build the airplanes. CONSENSUS BUILDING is the coming together of cynics and optimists to find a solution that both sides can live with. Hence, consensus is built in town square, Marcos, NOT in the council’s chambers.. or in your column or my blog.
And three: Breton says the problem with Sacramento is that “Key players for change [stand] on the sidelines.” I disagree. The KEY PLAYERS didn’t even come to the BALL PARK! Know why? Of course you don’t. Here’s why: KEY PLAYERS know you don’t show up to the SUPERBOWL of VIOLENT CRIME with a playbook that was slapped together the night before by a group of people who have never stepped onto the field.
PS: Hey Marcos, if you’re so concerned about crime, why don’t you use your column space to voice the ideas and input of those who aren’t on the city’s payroll? Why not tell stories of kids in the hood like the kid who got shot in the head in a non gang related incident Friday night in South Natomas that I emailed you about, but you didn’t reply to? Why not show MOST WANTED criminal profile? Why not GANG UP on the criminals and stop GANGING UP on your readers? What do you say Marcos?
Bingo. Best article you have written so far. I agree 110% that Breton’s attitude in this article is exactly the problem with Sacramento—> Rush to judgment–>Always reacting and never being proactive. He’s just an opportunist who’s jumping on the crime wagon and spewing unformed ideas to get a rise out people. Amd you fell right into his trap, Joe. And I’m glad you did!
Oh! The picture! Dangle! Reno 911 right! Love it! Printed it! Going up in my cube tomorrow!
“Why not GANG UP on the criminals and stop GANGING UP on your readers? What do you say Marcos?” Joe, this is why I read you and keep coming back. You may not always be right but you call people on their hypocrisy better than anyone I have encountered in Sacto, and that includes the local media here too. Great job defending us “cynics” out here who don’t agree with this tax. Your voice represents many.
Joe outstanding article. The Bee should dump Breton and hire you!
Another excellent article that hits the nail closer to the head than the major local media. Keep it up Joe!
Another puke Breton column, I guess if you don’t want your tax bill to go up you’re a cynic, give me a freakin break, I guess we live in a city now that has a bunch of fatherless gang kids and I am now responsible for paying for their care, this whole tax debate is a big fat lie, the money will not help, after the greedy non profits, politicians, and community activists get their hands on millions of $$, they will argue over how it will be used, eroding the intent, Hammond has already said she will oppose how certain monies will be spent. Breton thinks that spending 16 million a year will stop murders, where are his examples.
What is more inane of this debate is the fact that the Sac PD is not thrilled by it, they want their own tax, not to be shared by liberal do gooders, further complicating the issues is KJ, he will probably be the next mayor, imagine if it passes and he opposes it, this city is becoming lamer by the day, now I know why many good families want out, I guess Roseville is different. I have been reading about a debate in N. Natomas of problem kids, one person said even organized sports pose a problem for the community, rough kids that are unsupervised require police attention after games, that is real nice, and now Heron School has a bunch of jr high kids creating problems, and teachers are leaving,the school dist. never imposes harsh rules, I believe the standards are sinking lower all the time, a tax to baby sit thugs is a clear indication of that.
I am sorry but Punk Head’s comment just makes me mad!! Why? Because he is right!! What kind of a-hole is Breton to push another tax down the throats of the working class? I honestly thought he was one of the guys would put down the tax and tell the city what a sham it was. I really overestimated him. What a jerk. I agree with punk head 100%. And Joe I saw your comments on natomas buzz. Thank you for putting Tretheway in his place! People might not be siding in big numbers with you now, but wait til the community gets worse. Hopefully you will still be around by then because a lot of residents are going to be eating more crow than you ever ate. Thanks you guys
Joe, on board with you all the way. Your column puts Breton’s to shame. You’re right: he should be ashamed. I could not agree more. How did that guy ever get a job as a journalist? He is worse on politics than he was on sports and that is a significant statement
I have a feeling this is going to be a good week. Joe I agree this is one of your best so far. Breton dude you got knocked the $#@% out homey! roflmao Does anyone remember what Sac was like before this site showed up? I don’t. And I don’t wanna either
Marcos Breton is a tool. I have known him personally for ages and if you ever heard him in a casual conversation there is no way you would ever dream he was a writer for a major newspaper,,, if you call sacbee a major newspaper. Breton should be blogging about his own neighborhood in Antelope or wherever he lives and not about sacramento which he has proven time and time and time and time again he has no knowledge of. I bet you Breton has never even stepped foot in natomas
Let’s get a petition together to get Breton fired. I will be the first to sign it. He is a liability to the city and everything he writes about is pompous crap degrading the blue collar folks. Get rid of him. The press is half the problem in this town
Glad to know I am not the only one who can’t stand Marcos Breton. He is the worst writer in all of California and his penchant for “ganging up” on people who don’t agree with them and painting them as Nazi war mongers who should be stoned to death is as familiar as his horrible writing skills. The Bee would do all of Sacto a favor by firing him. Also there should be disciplinary actions for his statements in the comments section on the Bee’s web site calling Sac Bee readers names. Not cool. I’d fire him in a heartbeat if he worked for my company and degraded my customers like that.
For perspective just imagine if someone like Dale Shornack got on the air and called a News 10 viewer a name for challenging his position like Breton did? He’d be gone before he finished his sentence.
Breton still hasn’t responded to an email request I made to him BEFORE his aimless column in which I pleaded with him to help me find out the condition of a young man who was shot in the head in South Natomas on Friday. Thanks, Marcos, you man of the people, you
Anyone who supports this tax should have their voting rights taken away. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen even come up for a council vote since I have lived in California. I juse came from the Buzz web site and I see half the people there actually approve this tax. Like their are gangs in Natomas. What kind of idiots are these people to support a tax when they’re already paying supplemental taxes for more cops and Natomas has less cops than downtown? I swear to God I can’t live in this city any longer. The stupid index is off the charts and i can’t handle it
SacKings, they don’t actually support the tax. They support Fargo. Fargo is for the tax, KJ is against it. These poor souls saying they support the tax are so loyal to Fargo they are willing to pay more in sales tax just so she can win this battle with KJ. I am wiling to bet you they are all from South Natomas or other neighborhoods . I refuse to believe any homeowner in North Natomas could be for this tax. Impossible.
sk, joe is right. most voters are not that stupid. they just see this as a way of supporting fargo. but then that is kind of stupid huh? i guess voters are really that stupid. this town is full of stupid people. that is why other cities have no respect for us
I hate the Lakers. No Lakers fans allowed on Sacto blogs! Haha. j/.k Inside info for my pal Joe about this column and pic of Breton. Lots of laughs today around town about this. No specifics but trust it made a splash. Your confidant, a Sac City insider
Joe you say you are against crime but then when a fantastic tax comes along that will put criminals in their place and return our society to a state of utopia as it was before Adam and Eve got restless you don’t want to have anything to do with it. What kind of hypocritical fool are you Joe?
Joe I am your daddy. Worship me.
This is the first thing I have agreed with you on Joey. I think you have really said what needed to be said here especially against that Breton cluck who should be flipping burgers not writing in newspaper. I just saw something where they said if this dumbass tax passes Sacto residents will buy all their stuff in other cities like west sac and and folsom and roseville so it will be a complete wash–or maybe even worse. That is what this breton cluck calls a “good idea.” He should be fired along with all of the city council who favors this! By the way Joe this does not mean we are buddies now!!
Yeah what do you say Marcos? You are an embarrassment and I want to know where you live in Sacramento
This is an idiot tax. Don’t vote for idiot taxes.
I agree this is an idiot tax. I also agree that only idiots think the only credible source of news and opinions are big name newspapers. Joe Sac’s material is 100x more informed and compelling than any column I have seen in the Bee for the past ten years. I have nothing but respect for Joe. Funny how Breton calls Joe a chicken. Joe has bigger balls than Breton could even fantasize about having.
Breton thinks he is the only person in the valley entitled to have an opinion. Anyone else who has an opinion is the sworn enemy of Marcos Breton. He is the most negative, manipulative, back stabbing sap in all of the media world and if I’m you I never say his name again on your site. Don’t do him any favors. he isn’t worth of your web site bro
Breton is the lowest of the lowest cess pool bottom feeder journalist types in all of sac. I say deport him back to France or wherever he is from. The guy says we should come to consensus but excludes people from participating based on their “cynicism” of a jerkoff tax? What a jerkoff
Puke column? Listen here you little puke bloggers! I am the only one who gets to have an opinion in Sacramento! How dare you oppose me! Down with all of you!
Marcos Breton s u c k s and everyone who has read even two or three of his worthless columns know it. The ridiculous thing about Breton is that he thinks all the bad opinions of him are because he writes thought-provoking stuff people enjoy debating. He has no clue that people hate his stuff because he is a j e r k o f f