BARRY AGAIN FAILS TO FILE TAX FORMS

Sidebar: Why is MB above the law? He has made it clear by his actions (or lack thereof in filing his taxes) that he does not care and he is confident he will never be held responsible for his actions.

How many run of the mill citizens are given a pass like this everytime? It is time for some felony changes and revocation of his probation. People are really losing faith in the system as being equal for everyone.

Would love to see a follow up article by the Washington Post where they compare what happens to ordinary not quite so famous citizens who repeatedly violate the terms of their probation in such a way.

FROM TODAY'S WASHINGTON POST:

Barry Again Fails to File Tax Forms
By Del Quentin Wilber and Nikita Stewart

Washington Post Staff Writers

Thursday, January 29, 2009; B04

D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) has again failed to file his tax returns.
The former District mayor has not submitted federal or city tax forms for 2007 -- the second instance in which he has not filed required returns while on probation for tax offenses, said two sources familiar with the situation.
Two years ago, federal prosecutors failed to convince a federal judge that Barry should be jailed for violating the terms of his probation, which was ordered in 2006, because he did not file 2005 tax returns. The probation expires in March.
Barry declined last night to discuss the matter or say when he might file his taxes.
"As with any American citizen, my tax status is a matter between the IRS and the taxpayer and not The Washington Post," he said. His attorney, Frederick D. Cooke Jr., and Channing Phillips, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, also declined to comment.
The sources said they did not know whether Barry owed taxes in 2007. The D.C. government withholds a portion of his $92,530 salary, and Barry might be owed a refund, the sources said. He filed his 2006 returns, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss tax matters.
Barry's current trouble stems from a guilty plea in 2005 to two misdemeanor tax charges. He admitted not filing federal or D.C. tax returns from 1999 through 2004 and said that he did not pay most of the taxes he owed on more than $500,000 in income. U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson sentenced him to three years of probation in March 2006.
In less than a year, federal prosecutors returned to court and asked Robinson to revoke Barry's probation and send him to jail because he had failed to file 2005 returns. Prosecutors said at the time that the judge should send Barry to jail to make "clear to this defendant that he is not above the law."
Barry eventually filed the required forms, and Robinson allowed him to remain on probation because, she said, she did not think the prosecutor proved that Barry had "intentionally" and "willfully" failed to file the returns.
In light of Robinson's previous ruling and the fact that Barry filed his 2006 returns, prosecutors might be reluctant to seek sanctions again, legal experts said.
"I don't think they will have any more luck proving their case this time around," said Steven Levin, a criminal defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor in Baltimore who focused on white-collar offenses.
Barry, who has served as a D.C. Council member since 2005, did not list any additional income on his most recent financial disclosure form.
According to campaign finance records, he has not listed extra income on such forms since 2005, when he acknowledged earning in excess of $1,000 from M.R. Beal & Co., a minority-owned investment firm that specializes in corporate and municipal finance.

The article reader comments reflect just how fedup and upset people are by this. This goes across racial and socioeconomic lines . Overwelmingly people are sick and tired of this foolishness - its time for people to be held accountable for breaking the law.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I promise you a police car on every sidewalk."

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

LOOSE LIPS Article: The Old Gray Mayor

Great article by Loose Lips of the Washington City Paper on the conflict between Councilman (and former DC Mayor) Marion Barry and DC Mayor Adrian Fenty. To view the article in full click HERE.

A comment on this article probably said it best:

"Marion Barry "disapproving" of Mayor Adrian Fenty is the loudest-ringing and best possible currency I can imagine. Frankly, Fenty grows on me more and more with each passing month. Two years from now I can envision "Re-elect Fenty! Barry hates him!" being the strongest political endorsement in town. "

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I am a great mayor; I am an upstanding Christian man; I am an intelligent man; I am a deeply educated man; I am a humble man."

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Marion Barry was relected to another 4 year term as Councilman of Ward 8.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"What right does Congress have to go around making laws just because they deem it necessary?"

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

From CP City Desk: Marion Barry to Endorse Michael Brown

"Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry will endorse Michael A. Brown for an at-large council seat today, sources tell LL. The announcement is scheduled to come in a joint press conference with Harry Thomas Jr. (who told the Post his endorsement decision this morning) tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m., location TBA."

Click here for the LL article

How long...

does Ward 8 have to continue to suffer at the hands of Marion Barry? How long does it's residents have to expect and accept coming last all the time? How long do we have to be publicly humiliated by the personal shenanigans and broken promises of a politician long past his prime? For all the wonderful things that Marion Barry may have done these desperate and selfish attempts to hold on erase all of those good works.

How long for a new day for Ward 8?

How long?

It's ironic that on November 4th the entire country will be voting for a chance at real change, real progress and real commitment and us folks east of the river will most likely be looking at another term of the same old song and dance - peppered with crimes against the community and just plain crimes.

Keep hope alive. One day this WILL end. :)

Loose Lips: Gotta Love Ward 8 Politics

Great post by Loose Lips of The Washington City Paper on the Ward 8 race. Who is really surprised at the thought of intimidation by the Marion Barry camp? Manipulation and intimidation go hand and hand with this campaign.

Good luck to all of the challengers!

P.S. MB a word of advice. stop saying "proven track record" it's NOT a positive thing!

Link to original article HERE.

Excerpt:

"LL was pleasantly surprised this afternoon when Darrell Gaston, one of two independents challenging Marion Barry for the Ward 8 council seat, eschewed gentility and took the mayor-for-life to task on WAMU-FM’s Kojo Nnamdi Show, calling him a flip-flopper on the mayoral schools takeover and generally laying into Barry’s performance with passion.

Gaston also delivered one of the best lines LL has heard in Ward 8 politics in a while, pivoting on Barry’s longtime association with the city summer youth employment program: “Mr. Barry gave you a summer job,” he told radio listeners, “but let me give you a career!” Ow!"

Voters Guide: Marion Barry Faces Two Independent Challengers in Ward 8

From News Channel 8. Original article here.

Marion Barry accusing someone of "rhetoric" is like Marion Barry accusing someone of a drug problem. In all seriousness it would have been best for EVERYONE if all the challengers had united behind the BEST candidate (Charles Wilson) and toppled the Barry machine. Barry's time at the party has long been over extended - it is time for him to go home.

WASHINGTON - He beat five Democratic challengers in the primary, but now Marion Barry is up for re-election to the D.C. Council in Ward 8, facing two Independent challengers. Democrat incumbent Marion Barry says he has unfinished business. "I'm working as hard as I can to improve the quality of life, bring about prosperity," said Barry. Barry takes credit for bringing sixty new small businesses to the ward plus a grocery store and sit down restaurant. If re-elected, he says he'll create new jobs in Ward 8. He also says he'll work to attract more primary care clinics. "Well, we'll put money in the budget. We have money in the budget for at least two primary care facilities," said Barry. Independent Durrell Gaston says he would push for a 24-hour clinic in Ward 8, declare an HIV state of emergency and implement tax breaks to attract more health care providers. "We need to bring more doctors to Ward 8 so we have variety," said Gaston. Gaston says he would also help residents transition off public assistance, like he does now as a mentor. "We gave residents free bank accounts, free credit reports and financial goals," said Gaston. Gaston is a native of Ward 8 and says Barry is out of touch. "I experienced what the average person went through so I know what the average person needs and wants," said Gaston. "I've lived in the ward for the last 15 years. I served 2 terms as an ANC commissioner," said Independent Yovocka YoungYoung says she would tap into the job market across the river, bring new residents and new business to Ward 8 and tackle the ward's 14% unemployment rate. "Until we turn those numbers around, we'll continue to be challenged," said Young. She is calling for more vocational programs in high schools and a day labor site. "As long as it's managed well by the city, we can make sure the employees are legal and the employers are legal as well," said Young. Young says Barry is ineffective. "You know it happens in everyone's life. It's evolution," said Young. Barry says both of his challengers are all rhetoric. "Well you know anyone can talk about it. I have a proven track record," said Barry. Barry points to his victory in the Democratic primary where he won nearly 78% of the vote. He calls that "a landslide" and "a mandate." But his challengers in the election point out less than 6,000 voters voted in the primary, which they say shows a voter apathy toward the leadership of Ward 8. They say now more than ever the ward needs change, but Barry says the ward needs his leadership.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"If you take out the killings, Washington actually has a very very low crime rate."

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

MARION BARRY FALLS - GETS STITCHES

Posted on the DC Wire blog of the Washington Post. To view the entire entry including heartwarming and hilarious reader comments click HERE.

In all seriousness wishing the Councilman a speedy recovery.

Excerpt:

"Ward 8 Council member Marion Barry was treated and released from Greater South East Hospital this morning suffering from minor injuries to his face after accidentally falling down while out walking earlier in Anacostia Park.
Mr. Barry received a deep gash over his bottom lip that required several stitches. Despite the minor accident Mr. Barry suffered no serious injuries and is in good spirits. According to Mr. Barry, doctors in the emergency room at Greater South East Hospital said he will have a full recovery and be back at work in a day or two.
"I just lost my footing while out doing my daily walk," said Barry. "I am in a little pain and it will take a few days to heal but I will get through this. I plan on being back on my feet in no time good as new."

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"People have criticized me because my security detail is larger than the president's. But you must ask yourself: are there more people who want to kill me than who want to kill the president? I can assure you there are."

-- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

Blog Post/Stuff Frank Finds Funny - Marion Barry: My Mayor For Life

Funny post. To check it out click HERE.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"First, it was not a strip bar, it was an erotic club. And second, what can I say? I'm a night owl." -- M. Barry, Mayor of Washington, DC

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The contagious people of Washington have stood firm against diversity during this long period of increment weather."

- M. Barry,Mayor of Washington, DC

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."

GREAT ARTICLE: "Black Is No Defense"

To view the orignal article click HERE.

Black Is No Defense
September 10, 2008


If Kwame Kilpatrick were white, don't you think he'd have been thrown out of office a long time ago? Heck, he'd be out of jail by now, shopping his memoirs.Instead, it was just last week, after a year of scandal and revelation that has paralyzed his city and made it the punch line to an international joke, that Detroit's mayor surrendered his office and copped a plea: 120 days in jail, five years' probation and a $1 million fine. Because, you see, Kilpatrick is not white; he is black in a city that is itself over 80 percent black. And that complicated things.For instance, it led to underserved support from the local black paper.And to a massive rally for him at a black church.
And to black people blaming the media for "bringing down" a gifted black man.And to a political consultant calling the case "Jim Crow justice."And to Kilpatrick repeatedly portraying himself as a victim of racial politics and a "lynch mob mentality."All the claims of racial solidarity and victimization gave Kilpatrick what Eliot Spitzer could never have imagined: a base from which to dig in his heels and declare he would not be moved.If you didn't know better, you might have thought this was Birmingham in 1963 or Montgomery in '55, with strains of "We Shall Overcome" ringing in the air. You'd never know it was Detroit in 2008, where the issue wasn't desegregation or human dignity but, rather, a mayor who had an extramarital affair with his chief of staff, fired police who came too close to discovering it, lied about it under oath, agreed to an $8.4 million payoff to keep police from releasing explicit text messages proving the affair and, for good measure, shoved a sheriff's deputy trying to serve a subpoena to someone else in an unrelated matter.Racial victimization? Jim Crow justice? Give me a break.In an April column, I excoriated the mayor for playing upon African America's reflexive tendency to rally in defense of any one of us who gets in trouble. But that's only part of the problem here. It's not just that someone played black folks, but that black folks keep letting themselves be played.Truth is, we get played like checkers any time any high-profile one of us is caught in scandal or sin. From Michael Jackson to O.J. Simpson to Tawana Brawley to Mike Tyson to Marion Barry to Kilpatrick, we keep proving pathetically susceptible to manipulation by any brother or sister who says white folks have done him or her wrong — especially if they invoke God a few times for good measure.African Americans — and, for that matter, all people of conscience — have a moral responsibility to stand up for those who truly are victims of racial injustice. In defending those people, we should be unstinting and unwavering.We should not, however, be unthinking. We should stop falling into the easy trap of believing every black man in trouble is a victim of racial malfeasance. If more black folks in Motown had understood this, the city might not have spent the last year embarrassing itself.For centuries, African Americans have struggled to teach white people that black does not mean guilt. Frankly, it's high time we learned a corresponding truth.It doesn't mean innocence, either. Leonard Pitts Jr. is a syndicated writer.

Still not over...

So he managed to weasel himself to another primary win. The only thing sadder than the possibility of another four years with Marion is that the ones that will surely suffer the most are the very people who came out and voted for him. Because unlike the supporters of the challengers these people really are hoping...pleading that this time he will make good on another batch of promises. To pay back their support with permanent jobs...affordable housing, etc and the fact of the matter is not only is it NOT going to happen but they (the Barry disenfranchised) have just about sealed the deal that by the time change does come they will almost most likely not have a voice in it.

For those looking on the outside in or watching the local news coverage on the election it may have appeared that these were die hard Barry fans. That the entire Ward was rallying behind their great savior! He has arisen! He has come.

Nope.

What you say is another Marion Barry mirage. What you saw were a lot of poor and unemployed people who were begging at the table of MB begging for crumbs. One needs to ask themselves how all these people on a work day were available to sit in front of polls for 12 or 13 straight hours? It's easy - they were paid and not even paid very well.

Marion has figured out a long time ago that poverty and fear works to his advantage. That desperate people make desperate decisions. That $100 today beats a lifetime of self sufficiency.

And for that I am truly sad for those people. They don't even realize they have dealt themselves out yet again out of a game that has been in progress for years. When they finally realize it it will be way to late and once again they will find themselves outplayed, ignored and disenfranchised.

I have a friend in the Mayor's office and they told me "if you could only see how he regularly plays his own people out for his own personal gain it is mind blowing! The only thing that MB cares about is MB and he will use the threat of his "army of supporters" to strong arm his way to getting what he wants but at the end of the day he would and continually has sold them out."

I asked a few of those same green and white t-shirt clad folks why they were supporting the (un) great man himself. I got a variety of answers from "he is going to win anyway" to "I am just trying to get paid" to "I don't know". Not one person was able to even remotely articulate what exactly it was that MB has done or will do that has garnered their respect.

It is not in MB's best interest to have these people continuously working...at jobs that pay a living wage. It is in his benefit to keep his people hungry...to forever just hold the carrot out of their grasp. To keep them dancing to his tune all while blaming their circumstances on "them". When will these people smarter up and realize that if MB was even half as good as as he claimed to be that they would see "progress" and not "promises"?

On election day the ward had an opportunity to clean out the "cobwebs of corruption" to endorse someone who looked like them who represented the best "of them" and they failed to do so. Part of it could be linked to poor voter turnout (and indeed it was poor), or just for a failure to hope or an inability to let go of that fear of change.

The great news is that this is not the end. It is the beginning. Barry doing another four years in reasonable health and unindicted is a snow ball's chance in hell. So a special election or special prosecutor could be right around the corner.

We can always hope.

Until then the Barry Stops Here! blog will be going on strong. Shining a bright light on the corruption that is and will always be Marion Barry!

1 day to the Primary and to a new "Barry-free" day!

Just one more day until Ward 8 can officially kick that corrupt, self centered, and self serving "you know what" to the C-U-R-B. The thought that we are less than 18 hours from potentially being "Barry-Free" is enough to make me do the electric slide at my desk.

Hopefully Ward 8 will show the district - heck the world that the scheming and conniving that is Marion Barry will NO longer be tolerated and that Ward 8 is ready for a NEW beginning with NEW progress!

The Ward has complaining for some time about Barry's inattention, graft and corruption hopefully they will turn out in droves to drive him out!

For those Barry (confirmed paid) supporters we pray that they look inside their hearts (if not their wallets) and do the right thing NOT for themselves (and his empty promises) but the RIGHT thing for the COMMUNITY and vote Charles Wilson into office.

Marion Barry is 72 years old. He had his run.  If he was going to make improvement

s in Ward 8 he would have done them by now and one thing that everyone should be able to agree on is that progress in Ward  8 has been measured in centimeters if at all. It is time for someone young, active, agile and committed to drive the community to the next level.  It is time for the next generation of leaders  to take the helm.  We can no longer sponsor Marion Barry's $92,000 a year retirement.  

Please come out and vote. YOUR VOTE DOES MATTER!!! Barry has been counting on people not getting active, not getting involved, not getting informed.