Former DC Mayor Marion Barry dies at 78 (Friends, country, life)
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Former District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry, whose four terms were overshadowed by his 1990 arrest after being caught on videotape smoking crack cocaine, died Sunday morning. He was 78.
Even in death, this man is not worthy of adulation.
I was never impressed with Barry. He was the Mayor of the nation's capital city, a prominent figure and celebrity, viewed highly by many in the black community. He was a black man with charisma and promise, given the chance to stand for all that is high and noble, as a beacon for black people to emulate. Instead, he perpetuated many negative stereotypes, embarrassing himself and his race, by doing drugs, and getting caught doing so after lying and saying he never did drugs. He was married, yet betrayed, shamed, and embarrassed his wife with his foolish irresponsible behavior. He was not loyal to this wife, and reeked of corruption, disloyalty, criminal-inclination, and insincerity. As a crack and cocaine drug user, a liar, and a philanderer, he remains a disgraceful figure who represented the worst of any race. This country needs fewer people like him. Shame on the segment of the black community for idolizing this type of man.
Considering his life and choices, I'm surprised he lived that long!
Myself as well. Seems like many who live lifestyles like this stand the test of time. I often wonder why. he will be remembered sadly for his infamous hotel room bust and other shenanigans over his political run. Anyway RIP Marion.
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
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I know perfectly well that only his struggles and failings will be remembered but as someone who lives next to Washington DC, one thing that Barry did that deserves credit is the summer jobs program he pioneered for teens. That program helped a lot of people (including a few of my friends) get their first exposure to the job world and kept them off the streets during the District's roughest years.
UGH!!! Yeah, he had his loving followers...Ward 8. Couldn't stand the man.
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Barry a shameful figure
