Remember these?
Yep! We can confirm that the dolls which featured in our item yesterday are none other than representations of the Venerable C (or Clancy I as he's otherwise known), doyen of the Pacific (cult) Group Los Angeles and all round saint! (or at least according to the worshipping - or perhaps rather sycophantic - comments on his Facebook page)
Here's a picture of the real thing obtained from the aforementioned site.
We have to admit the similarities are striking. Indeed we're at something of a loss to distinguish the difference! But the fellow's expression suggests a bad case of dyspepsia … or maybe it's a sponsee that's just DISAGREED with him!
Anyway …. this stuff is available - or so we are told - at some AA conventions together no doubt with all the other merchandising tat which has become increasingly popular in some circles. Alongside these will appear numerous CDs, workbooks, study guides and sundry other pieces of literature being churned out by so-called Big Book 'experts' (Joe and Charlie, Wally P … blah blah blah …..ad infinitum) of various 'denominations' all flogging their version of the 'quick fix' or 'true' path to some second rate, non-existent 'nirvana'. True enlightenment tends to require slightly more effort than colouring in the Big Book, ringing up a couple of newcomers each day and worse still doing exactly what a control freak sponsor tells you. Something a teensy weensy bit more demanding- and usually over a prolonged period of time - will generally be needed in order to make any headway in that particular direction. Still the “easier, softer way” will always appeal to some, and what could be more appealing than parking one's posterior on a seat and listening to some 'narcissist' sounding off, desperate as ever, and at any cost, to be the centre of somebody's – nay anybody's – attention!
Of course we should have known better than to put this stuff on the blog. An AA member, ever quick to spot an opportunity, sent in the following pics and links. Pass us the anti-nausea medication! Please no more … we beg you!
http://www.recovery-world.com/Bill_Wilson-bobblehead.htm
http://www.cafepress.com/+alcoholics-anonymous+underwear-panties
As we said – tat!
But of course you could always bypass the 'snake oil' purveyors and 'flim flam' artists, give all the 'sideshows' a miss, and nip along to your local AA meeting instead and listen to some real sharing by real people who don't need to be constantly on show or performing for an audience. Maybe at the end stick some money in the pot (if you're so inclined) to help the phone service rather than line yet another con man's already bulging pockets!
As always the choice is finally yours. After all, when all is said and done, we'll end up with the kind of fellowship we deserve! The buck stops …...where?
Cheerio
The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
