Now we take a trip back to March 17th 2007...

Just ran across an old article on the DCist blog. The only thing funnier than the article itself are the reader comments - PRICELESS.

To view the original article click HERE.

March 13, 2007
Marion Barry: No Jail Can Hold Him


Good news for fans of "Mayor for Life" Marion Barry this morning. A federal judge has refused to put the D.C. Council member in jail for violating his probation in a criminal tax case. As you'll recall, federal prosecutors recently sought jail time for Barry for failing to file his 2005 tax returns on time -- complying with all federal tax laws was a condition of his probation. From the WaPo:
Sidestepping the issue on a technical point, U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson rejected the prosecutors' request to revoke Barry's probation. She said it was up to the federal probation office -- not prosecutors -- to make the request.
Robinson said that she will not take further action or consider the probation violation "unless and until" the U.S. Probation Office brings it to her attention. Probation officials could not be reached for comment on the case.
Talk about phenomenal swag -- Barry is simply unstoppable. Even the ire of angry federal prosecutors can't hold the man the down. We hear they're now looking for an adequate supply of kryptonite. Of course, the U.S. Probation Office still could cause a ruckus by formally telling the judge about Barry's failure to meet his probation obligations -- which would bring up the possibility of a presumed 18-month jail sentence once more. But does anyone actually believe he'll ever be in real trouble in this town?

SOME OF THE MORE "COLORFUL" COMMENTS

no wonder we can't get a vote in congress. if dc keeps electing this guy to council and crowning him "king of dc," i think we should lose local voting rights too.

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By Cranky
[2] 03/13/07 07:50AM
So the judge just stuck her fingers in her ears and yelled "Lalalala, I can't hear you!" when the prosecutors told her about Barry's latest failures to live up to the probation bargain?
I say we send Barry to go search out Osama bin Laden. Clearly Barry is an untouchable superhero.

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By Politburo
[3] 03/13/07 07:59AM
Joke or not, the idea that people forfeit fundamental democratic rights because of who they choose to elect is fucking ridiculous.

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By K
[4] 03/13/07 08:01AM
so...how does new and improved, gentrified, homogenized, finally not murder one capital of the united states explain this one?
"even in our finest hour, we got a crackhead on stage"-Chris Rock

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By MS
[5] 03/13/07 08:02AM
At one time I hated Barry, but now I just sit in awe of this man. He is such a sleazy politician you can't help but admire the way he gets people to kiss his a--. I have lived in a lot of places and never have seen anything close to this type of situation.

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By joe
[6] 03/13/07 08:07AM
Barry is a fine upstanding example for young African-American men trying to escape poverty. He's a great example of how you can get away with everything and land on your feet every time.
As I walk home from the Shaw metro station every night I see his young protogies dealing drugs in plane sight without any fear of retribution. I'm glad these young men have someone to give them inspiration. What a great city DC is, instilling hope on every street corner!

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By Jonny
[7] 03/13/07 08:20AM
The folks who keep voting him back in should be ashamed of themselves and the community which they recreate for themselves.

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By DAJ
[8] 03/13/07 08:39AM
Jonny: Barry: Representing Ward 8 the only way they would want it!
Seriously, does anyone have any idea what it would take to get him kicked off the City Council? There has to be some kind of standard.

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By Emerald G. Waylon
[9] 03/13/07 09:20AM
While the message sent is appalling - no need to pay those taxes! - I prefer this outcome to having Berry reach martyrdom status. Just picture the 'Free Marion Barry' that would pop up if he did land back in jail...

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By KC
[10] 03/13/07 09:28AM
"dealing drugs in plane sight"
You mean the planes can see them dealing and do nothing? For shame American Airlines, for shame.

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By BSMU
[11] 03/13/07 09:37AM
Senator Barry!Next time you people get on your DC voting rights soap box just think, this is what you are working for!