September 2007
Volume 20, Number 8
What They Would Have Said: APS Honors Patrick J. Kennedy
Editor’s Note: No matter what your mother told you, sometimes things don’t always work out the way they’re supposed to. But if Mom also told you that when one door closes, another opens, she’s right on that score.One of the events that was slated to take place during the Opening Ceremony of the 19th Annual APS Convention in Washington this past May was an award presentation to U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI), to recognize his steadfast support of basic behavioral science. Alas, it was not to be. The opening ceremony coincided with a critical Congressional debate and vote on Iraq funding, and Rep. Kennedy had to stay on Capitol Hill. So, instead of being in front of a packed house of say, 2,000 or so cheering research psychologists, APS Executive Director Alan Kraut presented Kennedy with the award a few weeks after the convention in the privacy of the Congressman’s office, in front of a packed house of, say, three or so curious Congressional staff members.
Almost the same thing, right?
No?
Okay, maybe not. So, as a service to APS Members, and through the low-tech magic of the written word, we are pleased to bring you this pre-enactment (What a concept, huh?) of “What They Would Have Said: Honoring Patrick J. Kennedy at the APS Convention.” Picture a raucous scene in the hotel ballroom, as Kraut extols Rep. Kennedy’s virtues and the audience of APS members chants Kennedy’s name over and over (and Kraut’s, too, of course — or is that too much kissing up? — Ed.). Then Kennedy accepts the award and reiterates his firm commitment to continue to fight for basic behavioral research!
With the scene set, here are the remarks Kraut and Kennedy had prepared. All you need to do is imagine them being said at the Convention. (We suggest you start the chanting just after Kraut and before Kennedy.)
Click here to read Alan Kraut's presentation of the award.
Acceptance of the APS Award
Representative Patrick J. Kennedy:
I want to thank you for this great honor, and I want particularly to acknowledge Alan Kraut. He is a terrific advocate and tireless in promoting psychological science. And I want to thank Dr. Morton Gernsbacher and the leadership of APS for this award.
But mostly, I want to thank all of you for the work you do. You are changing people’s lives.
I’ve traveled the country this year doing field hearings trying to build momentum to end insurance discrimination. And it’s been amazing hearing people’s stories of redemption.
I’ve heard so many powerful stories of people who lost years and decades of their lives to mental illnesses and addictions, but then got life-changing (or life-saving) treatment. Now they have families, jobs, success, and happiness.
Your science is making those life-changing treatments possible.
And it has a broader effect too. The science helps break down the insidious stereotypes and stigma that keeps so many from getting the treatment they need. You are helping Americans understand that mental illnesses are physical illnesses.
That’s why I’m committed to protecting research. I know that the cuts in recent years to NIH are having devastating and long-lasting consequences to researchers. NIH is funding a record-low percentage of meritorious applications.
We need to get those NIH budgets up so we can invest in the future of our health care system. And we particularly need to keep fighting for basic behavioral science. This is the building block upon which so much of applied health research is based.
It may not be sexy. It may not be glamorous. But it is absolutely essential.
So thank you all for your great work, for helping us work toward a world when every American, regardless of his or her diagnosis, has the chance to reach his or her God-given potential.
