Thousands mourn Barry, DC's 'Mayor for Life'

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By BEN NUCKOLS


WASHINGTON (AP) — Local and national political leaders, prominent clergy and ordinary Washingtonians who got their first jobs as a result of Marion Barry's programs were among the thousands who gathered Saturday to say goodbye to the man dubbed "Mayor for Life."

Barry died Nov. 23 at age 78. He served four terms as mayor and leaves a legacy as the most famous, the most beloved and the most divisive local leader in four decades of District of Columbia self-rule.

He was credited with expanding economic opportunity for the city's black majority, and helping to revitalize downtown Washington. He also had well-documented personal struggles, culminating in a 1990 arrest for smoking crack cocaine. He served six months in prison but was later elected to his fourth term for a remarkable comeback.

"Marion Barry was an icon. He was the consummate politician. He was an elder statesman. He was a fierce fighter for the dispossessed," said the Rev. Willie Wilson, a southeast Washington pastor and one of several clergy who ministered to Barry over the years.

FULL story at link.



A celebrant raises her hands during a choir selection at the final funeral service for Mayor Marion Barry at the Convention center on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, in Washington. Local and national political leaders, prominent clergy and ordinary Washingtonians who got their first job as a result of Marion Barry's programs were among the thousands who gathered Saturday at the Washington Convention Center to say goodbye to the man dubbed "Mayor for Life." (AP Photo/The Washington Post, Bill O'Leary )


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20141206/us-marion-barry-funeral-9481b3e58d.html

[brooklynite]

1. At best, Barry was a "colorful rogue"

At worst, he was a sellout of the the civil rights principles he fought for originally. All he did was replace a corrupt white-run Government with a corrupt Black-run Government.

[MADem]

2. It was a good funeral. If a funeral can be called good, I suppose.

Louis Farrakhan was a bit annoying but he got his share of appreciators.

Marion Barry was an amazing person--he was a larger-than-life dichotomy. A lot of people focus on his later life, when he couldn't seem to put the pipe down and he was doing a bit of sketchy wheeling/dealing, but as a younger politician and activist, he was a very effective advocate for the people of the District, and he helped a LOT of folks.

Every human being has a few facets--Mayor Barry had more than most.

[merrily]

3. Tom Menino, Boston's Mayor for Life, also passed recently.

At one point, journalists were goading him about how often he ran and asking him when he'd stop running. One asked sarcastically, "Mayor for Life?" He replied, "Sounds good to me."