Synopses & Reviews
'\"Compelling, choice reading as well as an important guide to our beloved democracy.\"* \"Here is a man raised in the protective embrace of the African-American community, tested in the volatile cauldron of California politics. Here is a life replete with ambition, intelligence, grit, and luck. And here is a book which will surprise, inform, and delight readers of every political stamp and of all races and religions.\"—Maya Angelou
\"Ron\'s astute leadership and tireless dedication, so aptly and engagingly described in his book, leave a permanent, everlasting impression about all the good that can come from serving in public office.\"—*Kweisi Mfume, author of No Free Ride, and president/CEO, NAACP
\"Activists who entertain the notion of running for office would do well to grab a copy of Lying Down with the Lions, a fine new record of the political life.\"—John Nichols, The Nation
\"People who mistakenly think that it is impossible to be both principled and effective as a member of Congress know nothing of the career of Ron Dellums. He was in Congress an extremely effective force for social justice in part because his colleagues recognized the depth of his commitment. Dellums and Lee Halterman describe how this worked in this very important book about a very important career.\"—Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), author of Speaking Frankly'
Synopsis
When Ronald Dellums arrived in Washington in 1971 to represent Oakland, California, in the House of Representatives, his radical activism had already earned him a place on Nixon's enemy list. When he retired in 1998-his radicalism still intact-he left a record of accomplishment that has made an indelible mark on our political landscape.
Lying Down with the Lions chronicles Dellums's years in the House, and offers crucial lessons for Americans committed to democratic social change. From his days as a freshman from California's 9th Congressional District, to helping to found the Congressional Black Caucus, to being the first African-American to serve on and later chair the House Armed Services Committee, Dellums's tenure in the House is both a testament to his significant career and a crucible of American politics at the close of the century. Lying Down with the Lions tells the stories of Dellums's remarkable life and of his political battles--over a sensible defense policy, health care reform, and ending apartheid in South Africa, to name just a few of his courageous struggles--with lessons learned about leadership, politics, and the importance of building coalitions to effect change.
Profound and humane, Lying Down with the Lions ensures Ronald Dellums's place as one of our most important leaders of the last half century.
About the Author
Ronald V. Dellums represented California's 9th Congressional District for twenty-seven years. He is now president of Healthcare International Management Company. He lives in Washington, D.C. H. Lee Halterman was a member of Dellums's staff, his principal spokesman, and was the director of policy for the House Armed Services Committee during Dellums's chairmanship. He lives in San Francisco.