• Watching footage of a young, energetic, vibrant and forceful Barry was very inspiring. I couldn't help but think that at THAT time, with THAT Barry I could totally see myself not only voting for the man but waving a sign of my own. No one can doubt that the man is charismatic.


• Effi Barry put the "C" in class. What a beautiful, well spoken woman. Barry may have his faults (many, many faults) but he had great taste in women.


• I came away with a better understanding of why there are such die hard supporters of Barry. The Barry of his early days was a sight to behold and who wouldn't want to keep hope alive (however misguided) that one day that Barry would reappear once again.


• The recent footage of Barry was just...tragic. Tragic for him and tragic for the Ward that he swore to serve. I got the feeling that the combination of booze, drugs and women robbed what was once a great man and turned him into a characterture of his former self.


• Sandra "S.S." Seegars may at times be controversial but I don't think anyone can doubt her true commitment to the success of Ward 8 and her ability and fearlessness to tell it like it is. Some people may be put off by her blunt speaking but having met Ms. Seegars I find it refreshing and something that has sorely been lacking in the current leadership in Ward 8 politics. Ms. Seegars says what she means and she means what she says - in many ways she reminded me in the documentary of the young Barry -fearless, committed and with the tenacity of a pit bull. Regardless of who ends up in the Ward 8 Council seat next (and who knows it may just be Ms. Seegars herself) I feel reassured that she will be casting a watchful eye and will put the smack down on any foolishness.


• Barry's godson (forgive me for not remembering his name) was so charming yet so heartbreaking. While you may have doubts about his choice for a mentor you can't doubt his conviction and his love for the man. Watching his godson campaign for Barry to Ward 8 kids not even old enough to vote was just too precious. You can't doubt that there is definitely a politician in the making there.

Probably the thing that struck me the most from the documentary is that I couldn't help but feel like not only was there this huge shift from the Barry of his youth and the man and politician that he has become. I could very easily see the Marion Barry of the civil rights movement, the die hard community activist rallying against Marion Barry of today; the aged, delusional and unrepentant politician.

Regardless if you are pro or anti Marion Barry one thing I think we can all agree is that Ward 8 is in need of a focus, a direction and a leader.

Now who is he or she?

Perhaps it's the leader we need to find within ourselves?

For more Congress Heights and River East news visit The Congress Heights Examiner website, http://www.examiner.com/x-13507-Congress-Heights-Community-Examiner


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