Just Permanent Interests - Softcover

Clay, William L

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1567430414 ISBN 13: 9781567430417

Publisher: Harper Paperbacks, 2000

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Language:English.Just Permanent Interests

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From Library Journal:

Clay, a 12-term member of the House of Representatives, has written a partly historical, partly sociological, partly political study of the role of African Americans in Congress. From Reconstruction to the dramatic increase in their numbers in the 1980s, he traces the lives and political travails of black members of Congress. While professional historians and political scientists may find his book lacking in analytical rigor, it provides some valuable insights and interesting anecdotes. It is especially revealing of the development of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and its subsequent planning and tactics. Clay's treatment of the early years (1870-1940) tends to be sketchy; however, he more than compensates for this in the contemporary period. Also, his treatment of these congressmen is not completely objective, as his views of Adam Clayton Powell and Robert N.C. Nix demonstrate. Overall, this is an important book, one that makes readers realize the importance of traditional grassroots electoral politics to improve the political power of African Americans as opposed to the rhetoric and symbolism of street protests.
- Thomas Baldiono, Wilkes Univ., Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Part catalogue, part history, this study of African Americans in Congress offers some useful information but suffers from an erratic focus and a lack of candor. Clay, a veteran member of the House of Representatives from St. Louis, aims to compensate for histories of Congress that slight black achievements. While he brings to life such important figures as Hiram Rhoades Revels, the first black senator (in 1870), and explains the growth of the Congressional Black Caucus, Clay spends far too long on biographical sketches of black politicians and verbatim excerpts from hortatory speeches. Moreover, while he argues plausibly that black politicians have been unfairly targeted by investigators, Clay devotes eight pages to defending himself against ethics charges, while ignoring political criti cism and ignores some real scandals, such as the one involving Congressman Gus Savage of Chicago. Further, Clay's stated belief that whites hate blacks leaves no room for discussion of current debates on racial issues. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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