Still true 4 years later...

Was browsing the web and came across this blogpost from August 2004 by In Shaw. Had to check the date twice to make sure it wasn't written this year.

"Monday, August 09, 2004

Open letter to Marion Barry, Ward 8 Candidate
Although In Shaw should really stick to Ward 1, 2, & 5 issues, one cannot help but notice that which is over the river in Ward 8. Besides, it is a COUNCIL seat, which would have an impact on all wards. Dear Former Mayor Marion Barry, Dude, you're like 68. For heaven's sake retire. No, really this time. Didn't Walter Washington retire from politics after you defeated him for the mayorial bid? Don't think that you can't serve the people of Washington, DC by retiring. There are other things besides politics. There are non-profits out there that would love your leadership and be a bit less taxing, face it you're not in the best of health. Volunteer your time to a few causes that are near and dear to your heart. If that doesn't appeal to you, then how about just being an ANC. It will tax you. It doesn't really pay. But you get to serve people at the most local level ever. No, please retire. Todays politics are for the young guns like Adrian Fenty (hubba, hubba). With all due respect you are just too old school. It ain't 1960, or 1970, or 1980. We've entered a new century. The old struggles of your time are still here but they aren't the same, they've changed too. Housing and jobs are still a problem, but the old solutions aren't the answer. So once again. Move to Florida or Georgia. Find a 5th wife. Ponder the joys of fishing. Retire."

Dear Mr. Barry, Please Pass The Torch!

Mr. Barry,

My great grandmother was a very, very, very wise woman. One of the things she always would say was "no road goes on forever".

Mr. Barry with all due respect it is time that you get off the road and make way for NEW leadership in Ward 8. If you love Ward 8 and it's residents you would do what is best for THEM and not what is best for YOU. You would retire, with as much dignity and honor that you can muster.

Ward 8 needs someone who is vital both in mind and body and for whatever reason that is no longer you. We need someone representing ward 8 who has an untarnished background who has credibility...who has the ability to UNITE Ward 8 - not divide it.

In short we need the best TODAY to ensure a better TOMORROW. It is time to let it go and let someone else lead. There may have been a time when there was a shortage of advocates and leaders for Ward 8 but that is no longer the case. There are younger people out here, people with a focus and the vision to achieve a greater tomorrow.

If you truly love and want to do the best for the ward you will withdraw from the Ward 8 council campaign and give your FULL support to the best candidate FOR THE WARD. Your constituents are talking and they are asking you to retire...to make way for NEW BLOOD FOR A NEW WARD 8.

There is still time for you to exit the race positively and with much dignity. It is time for you to withdraw from public life. You can still be involved in the positive, progressive direction that Ward 8 is working toward but in a different role. We need someone who is capable (and willing) to pound the pavement. To advocate as well as unite all of us for a better tomorrow.

Please stop using the scare tactics of the past to instill fear in Ward 8 residents. Encourage residents, encourage the leaders of today as well as those that will lead tomorrow. For some time now you have been engaged in a co-dependent and unhealthy relationship with those (despite all the disappointment and controversy) that still so desperately want to believe in you. For the benefit of all it is time to be honest with them and yourself.

It is time to for you to RETIRE from public life.

It is time for you to PASS the torch.

It is time for a NEW Ward 8.

Every day that you continue with this charade is another day that you tarnish what was once a great name...a great memory of a man who was once - Marion Barry.

PLEASE LOOK WITHIN YOUR HEART AND DO THE UNSELFISH THING. DO WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE. RETIRE. GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BEST THAT WARD 8 HAS TO OFFER. GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED IN YOUR LIFETIME.