Lying down with the lions

"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."--BOOK JACKET. "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."--BOOK JACKET.