The Least Among Us: Waging the Battle for the Vulnerable

by Rosa L. DeLauro

The outspoken Connecticut congresswoman provides “a powerful case for protecting and expanding America’s safety net” (Elizabeth Warren).   Cynical politicians like Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump argue that the people of the United States would be better off without food stamps, Obamacare, and workplace protections. Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro knows these folks are just plain wrong.   Growing up in New Haven, Connecticut, DeLauro saw firsthand how vulnerable hard-working people are in the face of corporate indifference and government neglect. From fatal industrial fires to devastating childhood poverty, DeLauro witnessed it all—and emerged convinced that social programs are worth going to the mat for, again and again. Worker protections, Social Security, unemployment insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, and housing assistance lift up all Americans; they fulfill this country’s promise of opportunity for everyone and are essential for our country’s health.   For twenty-five years, DeLauro has been fighting for everyday Americans, earning a reputation as the most impassioned defender of our social safety net. The Least Among Us tells the story of a quarter-century of deal-making on behalf of people too often overlooked, told by a woman as fearless as she is opinionated. Part House of Cards, part progressive manifesto, The Least Among Us shares lessons about power—how it’s gained and how to wield it for everyone’s benefit.   “Can you imagine how cool the world would be if we had Rosa DeLauro getting s*** done instead of Congress being held hostage by terrible people!” —Wonkette   “An impassioned, urgent defense of democratic values and the role of government to serve and benefit all citizens.” —Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Social Justice

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2011

Reviews

[Harriett Milnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Rosa, for all you have done and continue to do.

DeLauro explains her thinking and goes into detail of how she gets her bills passed.

[Steven Bragg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author states her case for a comprehensive safety net for the poor and disadvantaged. Though I agree with nearly all of her positions, this is not an especially easy read. It is mired in the details of too many legislative battles, when it should have focused on the underpinnings of each position taken. Consequently, it comes across primarily as the ruminations of a legislative pit bull. Granted, I am glad that she is out there battling, but the book is something of a slog.

[Kate McKinney · Rating 3 out of 5]

CT representative Rosa DeLauro's crusade for the disadvantaged. An Admirable book, which nevertheless gets inevitably overly caught up in tedious political detail at times (committees, votes, administrations, laws, years, etc..). The most enjoyable parts are the more visionary sections. The rest is a skim-fest. Still,!Kudos to DeLaurio! I salute her for her valuable service.

[Carl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really read. It smelled to much like campaign literature for my tastes. Might be good but I truly doubt it. The beginning was not promising.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political memoir heavy on political process - so clearly I loved it.