And so we return to Happy Clappy Land – The Heart of Darkness

In our previous piece (somewhat ironic) we focussed our attention rather on the bizarre nature of this particular conclave. Now we come to the seamier and more sinister side of events currently unfolding in Happy Clappy Land (aka Ealing - West London), these conducted under the direction of its very own “Pied Piper” (aka Happy Dennis), a fellow who seems determined to break the record for launching as many meetings as possible (and in the shortest space of time) in order to spread the “word”. Of course we might commend his efforts if “the word” happened to coincide in some way with the AA message, but unfortunately the antecedents of this particular version derive rather from cult sources than anything to do with Alcoholics Anonymous. Like so many other cult groups (Design for Living - Wimbledon/Newbury, Road to Recovery - Plymouth, Dallas Primary Purpose and other so-called Back to Basics inventions etc) it has produced its very own literature including a booklet which contains large numbers of quotes from the Big Book. Whole sections of this publication have been lifted from the original and transplanted into the 'revised' version, and to such an extent that we believe that this would constitute a breach of copyright if derived from any other edition of the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” than the first. Moreover reference is made in this tome to a website set up by David “The Icon” C, (a former sponsee of David B, the initiator of the whole Road to Recovery movement and its various incarnations). Dennis himself is a sponsee of the aforementioned “Icon” and thus the lineage - and the corruption it propagates – proceeds; but we will come back to this a little later. As is customary the usual misquotes are included within the “Preface” to the “Little Yellow Book” (as we shall refer to it), and most specifically with regard to AA recovery rates. However this is only to be expected because the misrepresentation itself serves largely as the basis for the whole cult movement, and thereafter supports its fabricated claims to present the 'true' and 'unsullied' version of both the programme and fellowship of AA. With much wringing of hands, gnashing of teeth, rending of clothes and other dramatic expressions of doom the cult have prophesied the imminent demise of AA for a number of years now, the end being declared well and truly “nigh” repeatedly, and for a variety of reasons (including the above). These include the unwelcome intrusion of “treatment centre” referrals (who apparently have been responsible for turning AA meetings into “therapy groups” - who would think it!), addicts who are not “true” or “real” alcoholics ie. drunks who turn out not to be “proper” drunks (according to the self-appointed committee who decide on these matters), those who fail to shape their recovery according to Oxford Groups' principles (the Four Absolutes, praying etc (on knees – and using Christian prayers), and finally a widespread unwillingness to “behave” just like they did in the good old days when alcoholics were alcoholics and all was right with the world! Unfortunately for these prophets of doom AA has not only failed to collapse under the weight of this mass of apostasy but has instead thrived, sustaining its initial – and documented - recovery rates (see here for article), and has become even more inclusive and liberal than ever before, largely abandoning moreover the ill-judged experiments of the past. Our predecessors may well be excused some of their excesses on the grounds that they were the pioneers, and trod an unknown territory (at this stage our own traditions had not been formulated as a response to these early 'failed experiments'). However, as AA itself has evolved and flourished, the programme (as outlined in the Big Book) remains the same as when it was first formulated (presented in the 1st edition with prior drafts being abandoned, these being adjudged (quite rightly) as either inaccurate and/or unsuited to our purpose). However the cult can offer no such plea of mitigation for their obscene conduct, and moreover their obtuse insistence that AA should return to this supposed “golden age” - and thereby repeat the same mistakes - can only be regarded as a form of madness (remember that old definition of insanity!) derived mainly from the corruption laying deeply embedded within their own twisted psyches (or untreated alcoholism as it is termed within our society). Certainly when you come to examine the "make-up" of a lot of their 'leaders” it quickly becomes evident that these are badly damaged individuals who remain quite unwilling to attend to their own deficiencies, and would much rather focus on the supposed defects of others (hence the general tendency towards 'control freakery' within their sponsorship system - or as we term it “sponsorship idolatry”). This brings us back to our original theme: Happy Dennis and his perhaps not-so-happy cohorts. We have received reports that an “anti-medication” policy has been adopted by this group. We quote: “ [they] may as well drink again than take anti-depressants". This, of course, is the kind of irresponsible advice that has already led to a number of AA members being hospitalised (and in some instances committing suicide), and is completely contrary to the guidelines circulated so widely within our fellowship. We have also been informed that the now quite infamous and appalling guidance in relation to Step Four has been circulating within the Ealing meetings. Again we quote: “In the inventory we should be prepared to include sex with: men, women, children, animals.... and bottles. Sometimes the exact nature of the sexual act (particular positions indulged in, for example) should go down if the motive in indulging in it is primarily selfish gratification rather than an expression of love.” This section can really only be described as a voyeur's charter (with paedophile tendencies!) and is indeed a complete perversion of the AA message, and then at every level! The website which used to carry this information (now deleted) was produced by David “The Icon” C, and is alluded to in the aforementioned cult literature. Moreover it has been suggested that the initial financing of the Ealing groups derives mainly from one source – Happy Dennis himself – remember - he who pays the piper calls the tune! Finally “The Little Yellow Book” contains a listing of his meetings (contrary to the wishes of the local intergroup) and is clearly intended to promote his, and only his interests. All of these events seem to be centred around premises located at Bayham Rd (the same address as for the Ealing Centre for Independent Living, 1 Bayham Road, West Ealing, W13 0TQ]. We wonder if they know about any of this?

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)