On Rattling Cages: Joel Handler Goes to Philadelphia and Gives a Presidential Address

Joel Handler is a friend, and I have appreciated his work for almost 30 years. I had dinner with him two nights before he gave his presidential address in Philadelphia. He knew that he was taking a chance by doing something different, and he hoped that he could bring it off. He did. Even if those he challenged raise valid objections to his position—and I'm not the one to judge this—he raised important questions and started us toward important answers. A presidential address at a professional association is an odd art form. Beginners and those completely outside of the group's tradition don't get to be president. Nonetheless, if all you do is celebrate the mainstream, you put the audience to sleep. You must give the speech during a lunch. You compete with dessert and waiters removing plates. You talk after awards and other ceremonies have taken more time than planned. Entertainment may be more appropriate than challenging thought." Despite all these hazards, Joel Handler flattered his audience by demanding our attention and offering ideas clearly worth it.