Aa history Lovers 2010 moderators Nancy Olson and Glenn F. Chesnut page
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On Dec. 14, 1934, a failed stockbroker named Bill Wilson was struggling with alcoholism at a New York City detox center. It was his fourth stay at the center and nothing had worked. This time, he tried a remedy called the belladonna cure - infusions of a hallucinogenic drug made from a poisonous plant - and he consulted a friend named Ebby Thacher, who told him to give up drinking and give his life over to the service of God. Wilson was not a believer, but, later that night, at the end of his rope, he called out in his hospital room: "If there is a God, let Him show Himself! I am ready to do anything. Anything!"
God appeared. "It seemed to me, in the mind's eye, that I was on a mountain and that a wind not of air but of spirit was blowing," he testified later. "And then it burst upon me that I was a free man." Wilson never touched alcohol again. He went on to help found Alcoholics Anonymous, which, 75 years later, has 11,000 professional treatment centers, 55,000 meeting groups and some 1.2 million members.
comprehensive essay by Brendan I. Koerner in the July 2010 issue of Wired magazine. The article is noteworthy not only because of the light it sheds on what we've learned about addiction, but for what it says about changing behavior more generally. Much of what we do in public policy is to try to get people to behave in their own long-term interests - to finish school, get married, avoid gangs, lose weight, save money. Because the soul is so complicated, much of what we do fails. The first implication of Koerner's essay is that we should get used to the idea that we will fail most of the time. Alcoholics Anonymous has stood the test of time. There are millions of people who fervently believed that its 12-step process saved their lives. Yet the majority, even a vast majority, of the people who enroll in the program do not succeed in it. People are idiosyncratic. There is no single program that successfully transforms most people most of the time.
someday crack the behavior code - that we will someday find a scientific method that will allow us to predict behavior and design reliable social programs. As Koerner notes, A.A. has been the subject of thousands of studies. Yet "no one has yet satisfactorily explained why some succeed in A.A. while others don't, or even what percentage of alcoholics who try the steps will eventually become sober as a result."
moment is distinct. There is simply no way for social scientists to reduce this kind of complexity into equations and formula that can be replicated one place after another. Nonetheless, we don't have to be fatalistic about things. It is possible to design programs that will help some people some of the time. A.A. embodies some shrewd insights into human psychology.
begins with disempowerment. The goal is to get people to gain control over their lives, but it all begins with an act of surrender and an admission of weakness. In a culture that thinks of itself as individualistic, A.A. relies on fellowship. The general idea is that people aren't really captains of their own ship. Successful members become deeply intertwined with one another - learning, sharing, suffering and mentoring one another. Individual repair is a social effort.
Wilson surrendered control. He wrote down the famous steps and foundations, but A.A. allows each local group to form, adapt and innovate. There is less quality control. Some groups and leaders are great; some are terrible. But it also means that A.A. is decentralized, innovative and dynamic.
addressing that problem with the psychic equivalent of a precision-guidance missile, Wilson set out to change people's whole identities. He studied William James's "The Varieties of Religious Experience." He sought to arouse people's spiritual aspirations rather than just appealing to rational cost-benefit analysis. His group would help people achieve broad spiritual awakenings, and abstinence from alcohol would be a byproduct of that larger salvation. In the business of changing lives, the straight path is rarely the best one. A.A. illustrates that even in an age of scientific advance, it is still ancient insights into human nature that work best. Wilson built a remarkable organization on a nighttime spiritual epiphany. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6680. . . . . . . . . . . . Troubling Epigram From: emmspeter . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/29/2010 5:32:00 AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Can anybody please help me with the following: I have frequently heard people in A.A. meetings use the epigram, especially when
addressing newcomers, "You can leave this meeting and need never drink again."
I wondered if anyone can tell me when and how, in A.A. history this epigram came
into use and exactly what is implied in its message to the newcomer. This request may seem curious, if not an attempt at being divisive. The truth is
that when the phrase is used, especially in isolation with no further direction or clarification, I am left feeling a little troubled and I know that many newcomers are too. The fact is I was hoping that, as with all A.A. epigrams and slogans, this one might have a traceable etymology and original intended and explicit meaning. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6681. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: No major changes in the first year
From: emmspeter . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/29/2010 9:56:00 PM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII --- In AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com, Roy Levin > > The local nest of book thumpers here in Santa Monica are always making fun of this fellowship slogan, as they do with many other fellowship "folk slogans" which don't appear in the book. The essence of their jibe is "We're asked to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God," but it's suggested not to make any major changes in the first year. It is rather ironic looked at in that light.
> > --- On Fri, 6/18/10, Richard H > >
> Subject: [AAHistoryLovers] No major changes in the first year > To: AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com > Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 6:56 AM > > > Â Hi Roy. Many of the slogans and pithy epigrams employed by the fellowship of A.A. today have little bearing on A.A. literature, history or tradition. The
particular epigram that you refer to, I believe (and I may well be wrong) can be
attributed to the philosophies of Terrence Gorsky, an internationally recognized expert on substance abuse, mental health, violence, & crime. He is best known
for his contributions to relapse prevention. According to Gorsky, an alcoholic can expect to suffer from post acute withdrawal syndrome for a period of up to 18 - 24 months following initial abstinence. During that period the brain's neurotransmitters are attempting re-establish a healthy homeostasis. The suggestion is that during this period of homeostatic readjustment one should not make major decisions. All this is very interesting and maybe even based in sound scientific fact and
rationale. However, the 'Big Book Thumpers', as you refer to them, are correct.
Its simply not A.A. and therefore to promote such would be to endorse a philosophy that is outside the interests of A.A. When in doubt I always refer to the ample, conference approved, literature of our fellowship and draw my conclusion from that: As Bill Sees It The Hour of Decision, p. 202 "Not all large decisions can be well made by simply listing the pros and cons of
a given situation, helpful and necessary as this process is. We cannot always
depend on what seems to us to be logical. When there is doubt about our logic,
we wait upon God and listen for the voice of intuition. If, in meditation, that
voice is persistent enough, we may well gain sufficient confidence to act upon
that, rather than upon logic. "If, after an exercise of these two disciplines, we are still uncertain, then we
should ask for further guidance, and, when possible, defer important decisions for a time. By then, with more knowledge of our situation, logic and intuition may well agree upon a right course.
Right or wrong, we can always profit from the experience." Letter, 1966 Hope this helps. In sobriety and fellowship. Peter > > > > Warm greetings from West Virginia Area 73 Archives, > > Many members share the suggestion that no major changes be made in the first year of your sobriety to newcomers. Does anyone know of any source for this train of thought? AA or otherwise. > > See ya in San Antonio, > > Richard Humway > Area 73 Archivist > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >
From: Jenny or Laurie Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/30/2010 10:03:00 AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Has anyone noticed the similarities between AA's 12 Steps (and Traditions) and
'The Call to Humility: St Benedict's 12 Steps'? E.g. 'A sermon from St Benedict: "Holy scripture proclaims to us brothers: 'Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted' (Luke 14:11)." CF Tradition 12. ... 'The second step of humility is reached when a man (sic) not loving his own will does not bother to please himself but follows the injunction of the Lord. "I came not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me" (John 6:38). It is also said that "self-will has its punishment, necessity its crown" (Acta Martyrum). CF Steps 2,3 and 11. ... 'The fifth step of humility is achieved when a monk, by humble confession, discloses to his abbot all the evil thoughts in his heart and evil acts he has carried out. The Scripture tells us to do this: "Reveal your way to the Lord and hope in Him" (Psalm 37:5). Also, "Confess to the Lord because He is good, because His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 106:1). CF Steps 4,5 and 10. ... 'The eighth step of humility is reached when a monk only does that which the common rule of the monastery and the examples of the Elders demands. CF Traditions 1 and 2. 'The twelfth step of humility is reached when a monk shows humility in his heart and in his appearance and actions. Whether he is in the oratory, at the "work of God", in the monastery or garden, on a trip, in the fields; whether sitting, standing or walking ...' (CF Step 12 - in all our affairs ...) 'When a monk has climbed all 12 steps, he will find that perfect love of God which casts out fear, by means of which everything he had observed anxiously before will now appear simple and natural ...' And differences? 'The ninth step of humility is achieved when a monk, practising silence, only speaks when asked a question, for, "In many words you shall avoid
sin" (Proverbs 10:19). And, "A talkative man shall not prosper upon the earth."
(Psalm 140:11).' CF "Preach the gospel always - if necessary, use words." (St
Francis of Assisi), and, "Take the cotton wool out of your ears and put it in your mouth." (AA saying) Maybe our more garrulous AA members should mark these words, but we share our experience, strength and hope and carry the message - we don't stay silent. 'The tenth step of humility is reached when a man restrains himself from laughter and frivolity, for "The fool lifts his voice in laughter." (Ecclesiastes 21:23) CF "There is a vast amount of fun about it all. I suppose
some would be shocked at our seeming worldliness and levity. But just underneath there is deadly earnestness. Faith has to work 24 hours a day in and through us,
or we perish." (Bill's story, Big Book). Laurie A. _________________________________________________________________ http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/195013117/direct/01/ We want to hear all your funny, exciting and crazy Hotmail stories. Tell us now
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6683. . . . . . . . . . . . sponsorship From: Patrick Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/30/2010 1:47:00 PM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII About the questions on 'where did sponsorship start'...After things got going
good at St Thomas Hospital in Akron (guys bringing drunks to the hospital and
dropping them off ) Sister Ignatia told them if they dropped them off they were
to come back upon their discharge and pick them up and (sponsor them) take them
to AA meetings at Kings High School. That was the first real, 'hands on' sponsorship.--Pat M. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6684. . . . . . . . . . . . Barry L.''s sobriety date and place of orgin and entering AA From: marathonmanric . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/4/2010 1:38:00 PM
moderator of this group Glenn C.
third
tradition, one in New York where Bill asked if he had a problem with alcohol and
the one in Akron where Dr. Bob asked "What would the master do?" are seperate
people and I had been under the impression that Barry Leach was one of these two
men. Can anyone advise from research, when and where did Barry L, (author of Living
sober), coming in Alcoholics Anonymous. Your reply will be greatly appreciated. Ric the GratefulCamel in Salinas, Ca IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6685. . . . . . . . . . . . RE: Barry L.''s sobriety date and place of orgin and entering AA From: J. Lobdell . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/5/2010 5:23:00 PM
years,
meaning he met him some time after 1941, and I have somewhere come across a reference to Barry L. in AA in NYC at least by 1945, though I can't put my finger on it now. Others may have more exact data but I'm guessing Barry L. came
in toward the end of WW2, that is 1944-45.But I'm sure his sobriety date (DLD)
is available somewhere, possibly on line. > To: AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com > From: Gratefulcamel@comcast.net > Date: Sun, 4 Jul 2010 17:38:12 +0000 > Subject: [AAHistoryLovers] Barry L.'s sobriety date and place of orgin and entering AA > > San Antonio, you out did yourself. > > The convention was fabulous and it was my honor to finally meet the moderator of this group Glenn C. > > I'm clear now that the alcoholics that entered AA and help establish the third tradition, one in New York where Bill asked if he had a problem with alcohol and the one in Akron where Dr. Bob asked "What would the master do?" are seperate people and I had been under the impression that Barry Leach was one of these two men.
> > Can anyone advise from research, when and where did Barry L, (author of Living sober), coming in Alcoholics Anonymous. > > Your reply will be greatly appreciated. > > Ric the GratefulCamel in Salinas, Ca > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multicalendar&ocid=PID28 326:\
Oxford Tenents From: jillanfinson . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/5/2010 2:39:00 PM
the
wording on Tenant 6, but they were similar to the Oxford Group's Tenents. If you
read page 8 it says he couldn't accept all the tenets of the Oxford Group but he
goes on to list the 5 he could accept. Read the 5 that he could accept and you'll find the only one not listed is the first Tenet, which is complete deflation, mentioned on p. 263, but not in the 2nd forward." Question - Is this
the tentent Bill is refering to in the forward to the 2nd edition, that he couldn't accept - complete deflation? If not, why is it left out and the others from p. 263 are remaining? THANK YOU! Jill IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6687. . . . . . . . . . . . Unanswered questions From: Baileygc23@aol.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/6/2010 5:22:00 AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII In Pass it ON, it mentions Bill W as being called the greatest social.etc. One of the history group might have been involved in the witting of that book, and the question is, does he have a reference beyond Dr Bob for the quote.
In the book it also mentions Bill W saying in 1940 that he had opposition to efforts to integrate AA. Bill W prior to 1940 was trying to make AA acceptable to different persons of any and all persuasions.
and all.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6688. . . . . . . . . . . . Forward to 2nd Edition Question - Oxford Tenents [sic] From: John Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/6/2010 8:33:00 AM
fundamental principle or dogma, from the Latin tendre ["to hold"]. A tenant is an inhabitant of land, as distinguished from an "owner". Pass It On, at 197, gives the early version of six Steps or Precepts, which differ somewhat from Doctor Bob's early six Steps on p. 263 of Big Book. The fifth precept is, "we tried to help other alcoholics, with no thought of reward
in money or prestige." Unfortunately, the idea of "no thought of reward" failed
to be included in the final version of the Twelve Steps. Hence, we are bombarded with gratitude and rewards meetings, where the members tell us what they've "gotten out" of AA. Historically, AA has been a "give" program, not a "get" program. The idea of "helping without reward" somewhat survived as the principle behind Tradition Twelve [help others, don't get caught]. The ideas of ego-deflation and spiritual growth are themes pertinent to all the Steps. Those two ideas didn't need to be limited or expressed in separate
steps. John Lee
Pittsburgh [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6689. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Forward to 2nd Edition Question - Oxford Tenents [sic] From: Baileygc23@aol.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/6/2010 5:38:00 PM
and those around us. Dr Bob did say, the steps simmered down in the last to love and service. I do not think there is much danger of ego deflation in the rooms, unless it is by new comers while still new. When we talk about tenets, Bill W did say there was no dogma. In a message dated 7/6/2010 1:09:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, johnlawlee@yahoo.com writes: The ideas of ego-deflation and spiritual growth are themes pertinent to all the Steps. Those two ideas didn't need to be limited or expressed in separate steps. John Lee
Pittsburgh [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6690. . . . . . . . . . . . RE: Barry L.''s sobriety date and place of orgin and entering AA From: Li Lightfoot . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/8/2010 3:10:00 AM
to AA. I must assume that is the year he got sober. --- On Mon, 7/5/10, J. Lobdell From: J. Lobdell Subject: RE: [AAHistoryLovers] Barry L.'s sobriety date and place of orgin and entering AA To: aahistorylovers@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, July 5, 2010, 2:23 PM Â Barry L. once (or perhaps more often) said he knew Bill W almost thirty years,
meaning he met him some time after 1941, and I have somewhere come across a reference to Barry L. in AA in NYC at least by 1945, though I can't put my finger on it now. Others may have more exact data but I'm guessing Barry L. came
in toward the end of WW2, that is 1944-45.But I'm sure his sobriety date (DLD)
is available somewhere, possibly on line. > To: AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com > From: Gratefulcamel@comcast.net > Date: Sun, 4 Jul 2010 17:38:12 +0000 > Subject: [AAHistoryLovers] Barry L.'s sobriety date and place of orgin and entering AA > > San Antonio, you out did yourself. > > The convention was fabulous and it was my honor to finally meet the moderator of this group Glenn C. > > I'm clear now that the alcoholics that entered AA and help establish the third tradition, one in New York where Bill asked if he had a problem with alcohol and the one in Akron where Dr. Bob asked "What would the master do?" are seperate people and I had been under the impression that Barry Leach was one of these two men.
> > Can anyone advise from research, when and where did Barry L, (author of Living sober), coming in Alcoholics Anonymous. > > Your reply will be greatly appreciated. > > Ric the GratefulCamel in Salinas, Ca > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > __________________________________________________________ The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multicalendar&ocid=PID28 326:\
- Oxford Tenents [sic] From: John Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/7/2010 8:34:00 AM
wrote,
"no shibboleths in AA", in his 1948 Grapevine article "The Fundamentals-In Retrospect" john lee --- On Tue, 7/6/10, Baileygc23@aol.com From: Baileygc23@aol.com Subject: Re: [AAHistoryLovers] Forward to 2nd Edition Question - Oxford Tenents [sic]
To: AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 9:38 PM Â It does say the steps were to prepare us to be of maximum service to God and those around us. Dr Bob did say, the steps simmered down in the last to love and service. I do not think there is much danger of ego deflation in the rooms, unless it is by new comers while still new. When we talk about tenets, Bill W did say there was no dogma. In a message dated 7/6/2010 1:09:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, johnlawlee@yahoo.com writes: The ideas of ego-deflation and spiritual growth are themes pertinent to all the Steps. Those two ideas didn't need to be limited or expressed in separate steps. John Lee Pittsburgh [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6692. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Forward to 2nd Edition Question - Oxford Tenents [sic] From: John Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/7/2010 7:41:00 AM
AA. He
was a very inclusive guy, who developed the 3rd Tradition, after all. Keep in mind that while the Steps are "suggested", AA has never suggested any other way to recover from alcoholism. It is suggested that you use your parachute if you fall out of an airplane. No other suggestion has been developed for airplane falls in the past 90 years. The early members very clearly used the Oxford idea of ego-deflation to develop
the steps. If most members don't continue ego-deflation, it's because most members don't take all 12 Steps. My financial amends were very humbling and expensive. I give up my right to manage my life, every morning around 6:30. That's continuing ego-deflation. I don't recall Bill Wilson commenting about "dogma", but Doctor Bob did, in his
article "On Cultivating Tolerance". Bob wrote, "There are no shibboleths in AA."   That might have been true in 1948, but nowadays there are many. Members love to bring up secret passwords, wolf-whistles and chanting, to show their knowledge of the program [sic]. It's a way to feel superior and block the message to newcomers. ["Who are you?", "We think not...", just as two examples of shibboleths]. john
Subject: Re: [AAHistoryLovers] Forward to 2nd Edition Question - Oxford Tenents [sic]
To: AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 9:38 PM  It does say the steps were to prepare us to be of maximum service to God and those around us. Dr Bob did say, the steps simmered down in the last to love and service. I do not think there is much danger of ego deflation in the rooms, unless it is by new comers while still new. When we talk about tenets, Bill W did say there was no dogma. In a message dated 7/6/2010 1:09:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, johnlawlee@yahoo.com writes: The ideas of ego-deflation and spiritual growth are themes pertinent to all the Steps. Those two ideas didn't need to be limited or expressed in separate steps. John Lee Pittsburgh [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6693. . . . . . . . . . . . 2010 Convention From: Patricia . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/13/2010 11:41:00 AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Hi, maybe it could be of some interest - links about AA SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION - good 24 !!! �
�infos http://www.kreizker.net/article-congres-international-2010-52751347.html �http://www.kreizker.net/article-congres-2010-sur-internet-50372812.htm l �tv report http://www.kreizker.net/article-13th-aa-international-convention-53449606.ht ml
428.htm\
�Vid�os http://www.kreizker.net/article-congres-2010-53378347.html http://www.kreizker.net/article-13th-international-aa-convention-53554303.ht ml http://www.kreizker.net/article-13th-international-aa-convention-53768633.ht ml convention pictures �http://www.kreizker.net/article-13-congres-international-1-53495654.ht ml
http://www.kreizker.net/article-13-congres-international-3-53496138.html http://www.kreizker.net/article-13-congres-international-4-53496363.html �TWITS http://www.kreizker.net/article-let-s-tweet-again-53502340.html �http://www.kreizker.net/article-let-s-tweet-again-53502439.html [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6694. . . . . . . . . . . . RE: 2010 Convention From: Arthur S . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/13/2010 7:56:00 PM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII It probably wouldn’t hurt to have some postings on the history of the anonymity Traditions – what they mean, why they exist and how they should be practiced. There were announcements after announcements at the International asking that
members not take photos showing the faces of other members and not post images
of member’s faces on the internet. As a history group we really should know better Cheers - Arthur - - - - From: AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Patricia Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 10:41 AM To: patricia dixon Subject: [AAHistoryLovers] 2010 Convention
maybe it could be of some interest - links about AA SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION - good 24 !!! infos http://www.kreizker.net/article-congres-international-2010-52751347.html http://www.kreizker.net/article-congres-2010-sur-internet-50372812.html tv report http://www.kreizker.net/article-13th-aa-international-convention-53449606.ht ml
ml Videos http://www.kreizker.net/article-congres-2010-53378347.html http://www.kreizker.net/article-13th-international-aa-convention-53554303.ht ml http://www.kreizker.net/article-13th-international-aa-convention-53768633.ht ml convention pictures http://www.kreizker.net/article-13-congres-international-1-53495654.html
http://www.kreizker.net/article-13-congres-international-3-53496138.html http://www.kreizker.net/article-13-congres-international-4-53496363.html
http://www.kreizker.net/article-let-s-tweet-again-53502439.html IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6695. . . . . . . . . . . . AA on NPR From: hjfree2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2010 7:35:00 AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Last week NPR "On Point" did a focus piece on AA. Some might find it of interest http://www.onpointradio.org/2010/07/the-impact-of-alcoholics-anonymous IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6696. . . . . . . . . . . . Everyone knows the reason From: hjfree2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2010 7:19:00 AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Perhaps I've missed it or don't know how to search but can someone fill in the
reason everyone knows from page 51 "This world of ours has made more material progress in the last century than in all the millenniums which went before. Almost everyone knows the reason." IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6697. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: 2010 Convention From: Lynn Sawyer . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2010 12:20:00 AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Dear Arthur, I agree w/you. Are you gonna post the info. you mentioned? Guess a panoramic shot from the rear of the big room would be ok, as you couldn't see any faces??
Lynn S. alcoholic Sacramento, CA DOS=10/22/79 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6698. . . . . . . . . . . . RE: 2010 Convention From: Jenny or Laurie Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2010 2:54:00 AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Yeah, it's like herding cats! Most of the shots are taken from behind, only a handful of individuals can be identified and of course there's no way of telling whether or not they are alcoholics (well, not by looking at them anyway). Refer you to page 253 "Pass It On: Bill Wilson and the AA message", which is a photograph of the 1955 St Louis convention, and the end papers of "Dr Bob and
the Good Oldtimers", a photograph of a different(?) convention. I remember Frank
Mauser, late archivist at GSO in New York, giving a presentation in which he showed us newspaper clippings of public information meetings in which early AA's sat behind a screen or wore masks to carry the AA message to non-alcoholics. Incidentally, he said he thought Dr Bob would be spinning in his grave at the
way his house in Akron has become some sort of shrine. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6699. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: 2010 Convention From: Angelica Creates! . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2010 2:16:00 PM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII From John K. and Ellen - - - - From: "John Keller" (keller at ociofcharlotte.com) I think that's a great idea, Arthur. John K - - - - From Ellen (angelicabeads at yahoo.com) I couldn't agree more! At the big meeting on Saturday night in San Antonio, a Mexican man who didn't speak English somehow managed to bring professional (but small) filming equipment in to the stadium and filmed the entire meeting, speakers and all! I was livid. I went and found AA security, but they only told
him he had to stop filming, and didn't make him clear the film. I'm afraid of the deterioration of our tradition of anonymity in light of the internet and independent TV, etc. GSO cannot really do anything about this, first because they've not got the power, and secondly because of the tradition that states that we do not engage in controversy. I wonder how seeing their pictures in newspapers and magazines, on the internet and on TV is going to affect the ability of AA to attract newcomers, who may be very concerned with remaining unidentified. It's amazing how many old-timers don't even follow this tradition!!
Ellen
++++Message 6700. . . . . . . . . . . . RE: Everyone knows the reason From: Laurence Holbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2010 4:37:00 PM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 1) This world of ours has made more material progress in the last century than in all the millenniums which went before. 2) Almost everyone knows the reason. [Continue on reading for the answer] 3) Students of ancient history tell us that the intellect of men in those days was equal to the best of today. 4) Yet in ancient times, material progress was painfully slow. 5) The spirit of modern scientific inquiry, research and invention was almost unknown. 6) In the realm of the material, men's minds were fettered by superstition, tradition, and all sort of fixed ideas. 7) Some of the contemporaries of Columbus thought a round earth preposterous. 8) Others came near putting Galileo to death for his astronomical heresies. 9) We asked ourselves this: Are not some of us just as biased and unreasonable about the realm of the spirit as were the ancients about the realm of the material?
account of the Wright brothers' first successful flight at Kittyhawk. Had not all efforts at flight failed before? Did not Professor Langley's flying machine go to the bottom of the Potomac River? Was it not true that the best mathematical minds had proved man could never fly? Had not people said God had reserved this privilege to the birds? Only thirty years later the conquest of the air was almost an old story and airplane travel was in full swing.
4 & 5 restates the problem - 6, the reason 'everyone knows' - 7 & 8 contain examples - 9 Bill's suggestion that we remove superstition, tradition and all sort of fixed ideas about religion and the realm of the spirit - 10 another example - Personal note - I really got this - I always thought the reason ancient people had limited developement was because they were stupid - I never realized that it was bias, prejudice and particularly fear of retaliation if you thought differently from the 'establishment' - Only a couple hundred years ago here in the US - the Puritans left England because they believed differently about religion from the establishment - damned if the Puritans didn't do that same thing - they burnt folks at the stake that dared to admit they believed differently from the Puritans - I dunno 'bout y'all, but I'm not sure I'd be real excited to express my ideas on a Higher Power to a Puritan - Larry _____ From: AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of hjfree2001 Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 6:20 AM To: AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com Subject: [AAHistoryLovers] Everyone knows the reason
the reason everyone knows from page 51 "This world of ours has made more material progress in the last century than in all the millenniums which went before. Almost everyone knows the reason." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ++++Message 6701. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Everyone knows the reason From: Stephen . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2010 4:01:00 PM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII --- In AAHistoryLovers@yahoogroups.com, "hjfree2001" Yüklə 25,47 Mb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
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