Comments on: Barry Press Conference: Political Science 101 For Ex-Girlfriend’s Daughter

By: BBland

BBland — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:22:29 +0000

The corruption of politicians impacts its constituents! This scandal opens up a whole new spectrum of events and problems. I believe that both parties are wrong, and because I know most of the story, childish also. His daily corruption has rubbed off on a single-mother who, like many other mothers, struggles every day to keep a family together. And now Ms. Watts is looked upon as corrupt as well. When you spend enough time with someone, their actions become yours. "What is done in the dark!" Looks like we should prepare for another scandal Mr. Barry! A lot more then what was expected was released to the public and unfortunately ruined and broke apart a family. I sure do hope all is well for the family now. That embarrassment might have hit them hard.

By: Raoul

Raoul — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:25:34 +0000

Isn't it illegal to disclose someone's medical information in the manner such as last night's press conference?

By: Amanda Hess

Amanda Hess — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:20:04 +0000

Q, it's actually stunning that you would cite someone NOT speaking to the media about how her ex-boyfriend harassed her and forced her to sleep in a parking lot for refusing sex favors as "manipulative." Let's see---she hasn't filed charges, doesn't plan to file a civil suit, and only responded in the press after Barry smeared her name. Something must be up! Also stunning is your assertion that saving phone messages and recording conversations automatically implies that you are attempting to "feign innocence." God forbid a woman keep proof of a man harassing her, you know, in case he pushed it further or held widely publicized press conferences impugning her character. Women who try to protect themselves are so manipulative! Can't an elected official harass his ex-girlfriend without consequences anymore?

By: SG

SG — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:37:27 +0000

Q, why are you the ultimate Marion Barry apologist? Barry's make-work/patronage system really did ingratiate himself to many people in DC no matter what he does... likely including murder.

I am guessing Mayor Dailey in Chicago has had the same effect, to the same corrupting effect. Only he was a more effective mayor.

By: OKNOW

OKNOW — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:28:14 +0000

I don't think anyone is innocent on either side of this issue, but for Barry to once again be involved in a situation like this speaks to how unfit he is as a leader. You can debate many aspects of this issue. sexual harassment, stalking, bad relationships, ulterior motives, blackmail, abuse of power, misappropriation of government funds, etc. the bottom line is Barry is an ignorant MF that needs to step aside for the sake of progress.

By: Q

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:18:28 +0000

D*mn, that makes it even worse DCBob. In other words Ms. Watts got what she wanted out of the deal and isn't pursuing Barry in this harrassment thing. All three seem to be vindictive jilted lovers.

By: DCBob

DCBob — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:16:04 +0000

The tapes came from her ex-husband, not Donna Watts-Brighthaupt.

By: Q

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:10:46 +0000

@Amanda and The Advoc8te, you are correct. Ms. Watts could be a victim here. However, she isn't on the airwaves talking about how Barry stalked her. She isn't talking (at least until recently) about the failed Denver fellatious request. What she is doing is playing a manipulator in all of this. Why would she save the phone messages unless she was looking to blackmail or turn on him later. Was she expecting something like this to happen so she can feign innocence? There is a blurred line between victim and manipulator in this case. If she really wanted to end it with Barry (the details of which no one knows why), let go of the messages, etc. Marion Barry's conduct isn't taking away attention from Ward 8, any more than Fenty's conduct is taking away attention from DC. President Bush's conduct or lack there of surely wasn't representative of Americans as a whole, so why deify Barry? Yes, geniuses and fools alike may question why he was elected in Ward 8, but he WAS elected...warts and all. Deal with it until his term is up.

By: Amanda Hess

Amanda Hess — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:36:18 +0000

Advoc8te, I get what you're saying. But is this story really about the victim being "totally surprised" that Marion Barry turned on her? I don't think so. The story is about Marion Barry stalking a woman. Marion Barry acting crazy in the past doesn't rob her of her right to speak out about him continuing to act crazy.

By: The Advoc8te

The Advoc8te — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:50:23 +0000

wanted to clarify by "turning on you" I mean holding several press conferences calling you crazy. That is inexcusable and not even relevant to the situation at hand. Honestly I didnt even see the point of that press conference to begin with - other than to insult Ms. Watts.

By: The Advoc8te

The Advoc8te — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:47:05 +0000

@Amanda. I think you misread my comment. No one and I mean no one has the right to be stalked/harrassed/abused etc. I have taken much offense at statements from Barry's camp that just because (according to them) she is "unstable" she must be lying or just because she went to lunch with him earlier it's impossible to be "stalked". Abuse victims speaking in general are victims. You can't excuse away abuse and anyone who tries to do so is fighting a losing battle. However, when you knowingly deal with someone who has exhibited poor judgement in the past and who will do whatever it takes to maintain his position and his status then you can't be totally surprised when they turn on you - especailly when they have done so in the past. That's my point. Abuse is not cool. Stalking is not cool. Harrassing is not cool. Slander is not cool. It is so...heartbreaking to see this situation in anyway distract from the truly wonderful things happening in Ward 8. My 2 cents.

By: Amanda Hess

Amanda Hess — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:14:36 +0000

@The Advoc8te "She was asking for it" is the textbook justification for all sex crimes committed against women. Similarly, "Everyone knows snakes bite" is not a helpful response to a woman being stalked by an ex-boyfriend.

By: DBrighthaupt

DBrighthaupt — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:40:47 +0000

OK - I'm trying hard not to give press ANYTHING to spin. I expect it from bloggers, but I expect so much more out of press and lawyers (I had to giggle when I typed that) but something to think about to quash an important debate. What are those street cameras atop those tall white poles up for? And wouldn't some cop cars have cameras on the dash?
I responded in a 3-pager because at the time, I felt I would never be heard - I don't have the press/media batphone button as Marion. LL Rocks...and he Rocks fairly!

By: Q

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:40:42 +0000

The Advoc8te, sometimes I wonder if your posts are self-serving. Maybe Ms. Watts doesn't want to tell the media her business. Maybe she can live without "the other shoe dropping". In as much as she wants this to disappear, so should you. The only time that we should be acting on her behalf (asking questions, stressing issues, etc.) is if she was mentally incompetant and was not aware of what was going on. Ms. Watts is saying, even in defending herself, leave me alone. I will respect her wishes, how about you?

By: Q

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:34:45 +0000

This is beyond ridiculous. Barry is indeed impeaching someone's character...his own or what is left of it. He's been in politics long enough to know to simply stick to the facts...and that was that he was NOT stalking Ms. Watts. Bringing her down talking about her character is misguided even for him. If Ms. Watts said that he wasn't stalking her and explained the situation, {depending upon the statute of harassment or domestic violence they are using}, the charges would be dropped. At worse, a Civil Protection Order would be issued. By having these continual press conferences for the media vultures, he is weakening his presummed innocence in all of this. Everybody knows that cases are NOT tried by the media. Mayor Barry, I hope you haven't gotten senile. You've been missing a few steps lately. Try to finish your term with dignity.