Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said that former District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry "lived his life in service to the public and reminded us all that, with grit and determination, we can overcome any obstacles life brings our way" ("Baltimore mayor recalls Marion Barry as 'voice for the voiceless,'" Nov. 23).
It is true that Mr. Barry was a great community leader. However, that did not give him a free pass to break the law. Using illegal drugs and refusing to pay taxes and parking fines were not Mr. Barry's due for his public service.
Janet Abramowitz