Photo by dbking

Marion Barry has always been a fighter. Since his early days as a civil rights leader in D.C., Barry has spoken truth to power, saying things that might be uncomfortable to hear but no less have to said.

Barry is no less the fighter today than he was four decades ago, but he’s become older and the context in which he operates has certainly changed. More often than not, Barry’s fightin’ words are less provocative than they are insulting, as evidenced by this week’s controversial comments about Asian-American business owners in his ward. (Not to mention his subsequent botched justifications and apologies.)

Of course, this isn’t the first group Barry has insulted in recent years. In fact, it’s probably hard to find someone he hasn’t. Below is but a small sample of some of his more recent gems:

His Own Constituents: Last September, Barry managed to offend even his own constituents when he referred to Ward 8 as a “ghetto.” Yikes. It’s one thing to offend everyone else in the city, but talking smack on your own people?

Supporters of Same-Sex Marriage: As the D.C. Council debated a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in 2009, Barry appeared at a rally put on by opponents of the measure. “We have to say ‘no’ to same-sex marriage in D.C….I am a politician who is moral,” said Barry at the rally. Critics were quick to point out that Barry’s definition of “moral” included multiple marriages and affairs. (Earlier in the year, Barry also warned of a “civil war” if same-sex marriage was legalized.)

Women, Foreigners and Anyone Who Isn’t Black: In an October 2009 hearing with Ximena Hartsock, the Acting Director of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, Barry claimed that Hartsock—who was born in Chile—wasn’t fit for the job since she didn’t understand black culture. He also claimed that women don’t understand the value of sports, and asked Hartsock why she wasn’t a U.S. citizen, despite being a permanent resident.

White Folks: In a January interview with the Associated Press, Barry touted his support among his black constituents while mocking his white opponents. “That’s what frustrates some of these white people out here. They get frustrated, all worked up. They can’t do a damn thing to me or about me. Isn’t that funny?” Well, there is at least some humor here: Barry did just win re-election with over 70 percent of the vote.

Dan Snyder: During the Super Bowl, Barry took to Twitter, where he lamented the state of the Redskins and offered his take on the team’s owner: “DAN SNYDER SUCKS.” Well, maybe the only person offended here was Snyder himself.

Regardless of the many things Barry says that might insult or offend someone, Korean entrepreneur Gary Cha may have said it best when he told the Post’s Mike DeBonis what he thought be people should do about the aging mayor-for-life: “I think we should just let it go.”