Times op-ed columnist Tim Rutten wants LAPD chief William Bratton to stop offering his departing wisdom about the way Los Angeles works. From today's column:

The flaw in Bratton's reform effort always has been his tendency to elevate himself above the institution that he ought to regard as his real legacy. Without the history he dismisses and the individuals he ignores, there would have been no federal consent decree requiring reform, without which Bratton never would have been hired.

The best thing the chief can do to secure his part in that history is to keep quiet and help with the packing.

Bratton's remarks at this Los Angeles magazine breakfast were key in setting Rutten off.

Also see: What Bratton will really miss about L.A.