Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry undoubtedly will win the city council seat he seeks because foolish Americans have thrust him atop a pedestal.

Barry was made a hero during the past year for being the vigilant defender of black rights and fighting the white-dominated system which sought only to rid America of a potentially intelligent black leader.

That is what Barry and his supporters want America to believe. But the truth of the matter is Barry is a criminal. A drug addict.

The only thing more repulsive than the videotape of Barry puffing crack with a questionable woman is his elevation to a national icon.

Barry could have been a role model to black youths in drug-riddled D.C. as well as across the country. It is painfully obvious more black role models are needed in an age where economic injustices close the doors to the world’s opportunities.

However, Barry’s political accomplishments do not merit his absolution. The man smoked crack. Although the videotape’s legitimacy as evidence in court is debatable, nobody tied the man down and kicked him in the groin while taping the pipe to his mouth. The videotape doesn’t lie.

Barry will win his city council seat just as he was acquitted on 13 of 14 criminal drug charges. At that point, only D.C. will suffer.

But the entire world will pay for encouraging its youth to look up to Barry.