Psychology Does Have Friends in Washington

Recent actions by the House Science Committee relating to the value of research in the behavioral and social sciences in the context of National Science Foundation funding (see Anne C. Peterson's guest presidential column, July/August 1995 Observer) illustrate yet again how vulnerable we are to political pressure. Our pronouncements and recommendations concerning public policy sometimes seem to conflict with the moral/ethical views of some of our critics. Indeed, it is critical to separate completely public policy recommendations and values. An example that has been widely debated is the legislation of some illegal drugs of abuse. It would seem that at least two conflicting values are at work here: efforts to reduce crimes associated with illegal drugs versus effort to reduce the number addicts.