We all know the apocryphal Chinese curse: “You should live in interesting times.” With the extensive assaults upon our profession, we analysts, without a doubt, live in times most interesting. But for the editor of TAP these times have proved to be a blessing. The response of the American and its leadership to their challenge has sparked a wealth of articles informing the pages of this newsletter.
As I complete my second and final term as editor of TAP, I consider myself and the Association most fortunate to have had three remarkable presidents during these six years — Judy Schachter, Marv Margolis, and Bob Pyles. Each has used her or his strengths and vision to further the strengths and vision of the American. The result has been a sea change. Twenty years ago, any analyst openly espousing the changes now in place would have been considered ripe for a reanalysis.
Both Larry Chalfin and Don Rosenblitt, chairs of BOPS over the past six years, have facilitated the Board's progress in the not always easy challenge of integrating the American's changes with the American's traditional and important values — excellent education and high standards.
Although not all members are satisfied with the rate or degree of movement, TAP readers bear witness to the remarkable turnaround within the Association. We actively reach out to train non-psychiatrists. We actively reach out to train minorities. We allow membership for those trained in institutes other than those of the American. We have provisions for independent analytic institutes to join the American. We strive to have collegial relationships with other analytic organizations. We have official affiliations for students and psychotherapists. Secretary Jon Meyer posts the minutes of the Executive Committee and Executive Council. Treasurer Newell Fischer presents a detailed budget for the approval of the Executive Committee. We have e-mail dialogues on controversial issues. We endorse public information. We take public positions. We lobby Congress. And what we do goes on and on.
We have actively responded to our interesting times. Entering the twenty-first century, we strive to keep analysis a relevant treatment for helping those who suffer and a relevant way of understanding the human condition. If we are successful, TAP's editor in the year 2100 will read TAP's archives with awe and thanks for what the APsaA initiated in the final decade of the twentieth century.
For myself, the editor of TAP just past the brink of the new century, it has been a most fulfilling six years, twenty-five issues, 800+ pages. The greatest perk has been meeting so many exceptional colleagues. The amount of talent, energy, intelligence, and creativity in the Association is extraordinary. I am continually amazed that I have dealt with literally hundreds of people and only a few seemed less than gracious. I feel this says a great deal about the value of analysis.
I cannot name all of those who deserve thanks in making TAP so successful, the list would fill this issue. But having written that, I must give special praise to Ellen Fertig, Tina Faison, and the dynamite staff of the Central Office.
I wish TAP's new editor, Prudy Leib, the very best. Just as the former TAP editor Arnie Richards delivered a thriving publication to me, I will deliver a thriving publication to her. But at the risk of making Prudy's job more difficult, may the times be less interesting.