Marion Barry’s Win

I am perplexed by your Sept. 15 editorial decrying Marion Barry’s primary win and likely elleectoral victory in the Washington mayoral race. The Times stated that Barry’s comeback will “exacerbate” middle-class flight from Washington and will “aggravate” members of Congress. However, the only reason you give for your dislike of Barry is his addiction to crack cocaine and his arrest and subsequent conviction on drug charges.

Your implication is clear: A person who becomes addicted to drugs is unfit to hold public office even in recovery. This is nonsense. Addiction and subsequent recovery, for those who are able to put drugs and alcohol behind them, can have a profound effect on the recovering addict. Recovery teaches one about humility, service to others, and respect for and belief in a power greater than oneself: qualities one rarely sees in politicians.

Redemption of the man could very well lead to redemption of the city. If you think that Barry is a bad choice as mayor of Washington, then you should give persuasive reasons.

Recovery can only improve a person. Barry, if he is truly in recovery, is probably a better person than he was before he took up drugs. That can only make him a better mayor.

WILLIAM S. DOLINSKY

Santa Monica

After watching the enthusiastic people backing Barry for mayor, I am reminded of an old adage: “No matter how dumb you think people are, they’re always a little dumber.”

PAUL T. SMITH

Rancho Palos Verdes