I am making this trip to Africa because Washington is an international city, just like Tokyo, Nigeria or Israel. As mayor, I am an international symbol. Can you deny that to Africa?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker justifies a trip to Africa by equating their city with international capitals.
- In plain terms
- DC is a global city, so I represent it internationally.
- What can you take from it?
- Position local leadership as having global significance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does DC function like an independent country?
- How should mayors act internationally?
Another view
Equating a US city with nations like Nigeria or Israel is a rhetorical stretch.
More from Marion Barry
I am clearly more popular than Reagan. I am in my third term. Where's Reagan? Gone after two! Defeated by George Bush and Michael Dukakis no less.
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Permalink to quote #12 The brave men who died in Vietnam, more than 100% of which were black, were the ultimate sacrifice.
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