Washington Mayor Marion Barry screamed racism when he was indicted, tried and convicted on a drug charge. Even though their knee-jerk cries of white persecution didn't fly, they played the odds and reminded blacks that Ronald Reagan's Justice Department initiated dozens of corruption probes against black elected officials during the 1980s. Given the Reagan administration's open hostility to civil rights and social programs, it's easy to believe that some of these cases walked, if not outright crossed over, the thin line between legitimate concern with bagging lawbreakers and racially motivated political harassment of black leadership. Yet by even winding up on a court docket, Espy's triumph must be tempered with the regret that he has further tarnished the image of black political leaders. If this seems like a demand that black politicians be cleaner in their political dealings than white politicians, there's a reason.
Black politicians have a special duty to the black communities.
Many blacks view them not as politicians, but as leaders and advocates. They look to them to represent their interests and to challenge and confront institutional power. When they take bribes or are even accused of taking them, they betray the trust of African Americans. Many black politicians are not newcomers to politics. Most are long-term Democratic Party veterans who know well the political ropes.