In Search of Middle Ground: Memoirs of a Washington Insider

This autobiography splendidly illustrates in the purest form, how Political Science can be an unbiased tool for the public good. In spite of a difficult lower-middle-class upbringing caused by the impact of the Great Depression, Cikins achieved an educational excellence that brought him to Harvard College and on to Harvard Graduate School of Public Administration.

His career got a jump-start by his association with his mentor, legendary Congressman Brooks Hays, during the incendiary times of the early civil rights struggles. Efforts to support Hays during his fight for school desegregation in Arkansas led Hays to call Cikins, his "spiritual son". Using Hays as a model for his future comportment was a benefit that allowed for acceptance and tolerance both inter-denominationally and politically—for a true bi-partisanship, lacking self or special interests.

Taking a "middle ground" position, he was able to challenge people on all sides of an argument. By promoting understanding and respect for people’s philosophical and practical policy differences, Cikins was able to create a blueprint for action that all sides could be comfortable with. This book offers an inside look at the machinations of government and the people who work within it, and deals with major issues such as civil rights, affirmative action, penal reform, and the judicial branch’s role.