The Popps vs. The Peters

There is a study in contrasts to be observed between two sets of brothers in Milwaukee County.

First there are the Popp brothers, Jason and Kurtis, who have taken responsibility for one of the most expensive fires ever to burn in Southeastern Wisconsin — the July 5 fire at the Patrick Cudahy meatpacking plant. Then there are the Peters brothers — Anthony and his cowardly, unnamed brother.

It was announced Monday by Jason Popp’s attorney and the district attorney’s office that Popp entered a plea of no contest to second-degree recklessly endangering safety, and admitted to giving his brother the military flare that landed on the Patrick Cudahy plant and sparked the blaze. The charge carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

Popp’s attorney, Steven C. McGaver, said his client was extremely remorseful and never could have imagined that his admittedly stupid action could have resulted in millions of dollars worth of damage and a devastating impact to the community.

Kurtis Popp is facing the same charge and is expected to enter a no contest plea on September 1.

In stark contrast stand the Peters brothers. We all remember Anthony Peters, who with a few swings of a tire iron turned Milwaukee’s mild-mannered Mayor Tom Barrett into a living hero who stands up to street thugs. And we remember his brother who, along with other relatives, offered excuses for his brother’s troubles. Instead of owning up to his criminal actions, Peters and his family have blamed the mayor, Peter’ ex-girlfriend, his child’s grandmother and the world in general for Anthony’s troubles.

“Somebody got involved that really shouldn’t have gotten involved,” the brother said. “If he was able to see his kid it wouldn’t have gone this far.”

He also describes his 20-year-old brother as “a boy” who doesn’t know how to control his emotions or handle stressful situations.

Peter’s mother actually believes her son is only being prosecuted because the victim of her son’s criminal actions was the mayor. If this had been you, me, or some other helpful citizen, she believes no one would have even bothered to look for him, much less prosecute him for felony first-degree reckless injury, theft, disorderly conduct and bail-jumping.

It has only been two weeks since Peters allegedly beat Mayor Barrett on a West Allis street, and many have said it is understandable that a brother and mother would stand by their loved pne in times of trouble. However, this attitude of blaming the victim and everyone else within hearing distance for one’s own actions pushes the envelope of common sense and civil society.

The Popp brother’s father called it right when, shortly after their arrest, he said they had behaved “like idiots.” He didn’t blame anyone for his son’s troubles and he didn’t offer excuses for their behavior.

The Popp brothers are admitting their role in this tragic fire, which will cost the Patrick Cudahy Company upwards of $50 million. They are taking their punishment standing up, even if it is not what everyone affected by their actions feels is fair.

The Popp brothers should serve as an example for Anthony Peters as he moves forward in the justice system. Hopefully, he will one day become the adult he needs to be to function in the world and not remain the troubled victim his brother excuses him for being.