Ron Dellums Quotes
We have become so cynical that we are always challenging each other’s motives and in very few instances do we engage in an intelligent argument in the substance of the argument.
Ronald V. Dellums, U. S. Congressman (Democrat, CA), Mayor of Oakland, CA, C-SPAN Book TV, February 25, 2012
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
Personal attacks have been made in the Congress ever since that body first met. However, they were infrequent and raised concern when they were made. However, in the late 1980s, there was a series of personal attacks made across the political parties culminating in the resignation of Wright as the Speaker of the House. Some Republicans had objected to the failure to confirm John Tower as Defense Secretary because of his serious alcoholism problem which was made public, and in turn made public some of Wright’s indiscretions. From then on the personal invective and attacks increases and there was retaliation by both parties that went on for decades. At first it was exposures of real incidents but by the 21st century, the attacks were often fabricated. For example, Barack Obama was called a “Socialist Muslim” by Republicans. See {624107}
It would be wonderful of polarized American politicians these days had taken Professor Smyth’s course, and paid heed to his advice. But few politicians in either England or America function as if they believe this basic principle of human nature.
Ronald Vernie Dellums was an American politician who served as Mayor of Oakland from 2007 to 2011. He had previously served thirteen terms as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 9th congressional district, in office from 1971 to 1998, after which he worked as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C.
