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Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry liked President Barack Obama‘s second inaugural speech just fine (“Barack is an excellent speaker,”) but thought the president left something out: voting rights for D.C.
“The president has a responsibility to help liberate us,” said Barry, who watched the speech from his office in the Wilson Building.
Barry said the speech was an ideal venue to push for D.C. autonomy issues.
“Freedom is the most precious thing in the world,” said Barry.
After Kelly Clarkson sang, Barry led the small crowd in his office in chant of “Free D.C.”
For what it’s worth, Barry seemed pretty subdued during Obama’s speech. He was far more animated, even singing along, when Beyoncé sang the national anthem.
Photo by Darrow Montgomery