AA MINORITY REPORT 2017 (revised)

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Saturday, 13 September 2014

Bill and Bob's Excellent Adventure! (contd)


A wildly imaginative dianoetic rambling concerning the the “basic text” of Alcoholics Anonymous (viz. the Big Book) (our comments in red print)




FOREWORD TO FIRST EDITION

This is the Foreword as it appeared in the first printing of the first edition in 1939.

We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body [Note: This statement merely represented a 'snap shot' of the estimated 'membership' at that time. In some quarters much is sometimes made of the fact that a number of these individuals (the figures vary) subsequently relapsed. But no claim is being made here that any of them were permanently 'cured' – only recovered – or recovering if you prefer ie. they're not drinking and they don't fancy the idea either!. 'Recovered' does NOT imply permanence. After all, recovery is 'just for today'!). To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book [But this does not imply that anyone has to follow their example precisely. Moreover since clearly the programme in its present form did not exist prior to the publication of the book it is impossible that any of the aforementioned alcoholics could have applied its principles as subsequently delineated. How could they? Most would have had some knowledge of the Oxford Group and its principles but otherwise would have approached their own recovery in a largely idiosyncratic manner – much as members still do today.]. For them, we hope these pages will prove so convincing that no further authentication will be necessary. We think this account of our experiences will help everyone to better understand the alcoholic. Many do not comprehend that the alcoholic is a very sick person. And besides, we are sure that our way of living has its advantages for all.

It is important that we remain anonymous because we are too few, at present to handle the overwhelming number of personal appeals which may result
from this publication. Being mostly business or professional folk, we could not well carry on our occupations in such an event. We would like it understood that our alcoholic work is an avocation. [ie. a hobby, spare time activity, interest - not full time, paid employment or a profession]

When writing or speaking publicly about alcoholism, we urge each of our Fellowship to omit his personal name, designating himself instead as “a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.” [see above – also helps avoid that other dreadful disease - big shotism!]

Very earnestly we ask the press also, to observe this request, for otherwise we shall be greatly handicapped.

We are not an organization in the conventional sense of the word. There are no fees or dues whatsoever. [It's free – apart from any voluntary contributions towards rent etc] The only requirement for membership is an honest desire to stop drinking. We are not allied with any particular faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose anyone [So why is the Lord's Prayer (Christian) used in some meetings? And for that matter why are some groups calling themselves atheist or agnostic etc. The latter are simply the reverse side of the religious coin ie. yet another belief – or non-belief - system]. We simply wish to be helpful to those who are afflicted.

We shall be interested to hear from those who are getting results from this book, particularly from those who have commenced work with other alcoholics. We should like to be helpful to such cases.

Inquiry by scientific, medical, and religious societies will be welcomed.

Alcoholics Anonymous.”

(our emphases)

Additional comment: It's worth noting the qualification above: an “honest desire”. Using this expression with reference to oneself in a meeting is guaranteed to ensure that everyone else present feels a fraud! Similarly introducing yourself as a 'grateful recovering (or even better 'recovered' but with particular emphasis on the word 'grateful') alcoholic' induces in others the uncomfortable sense that they're somehow deficient in this area. It's always useful to maintain a psychological lead when it comes to the 'sobriety stakes'!

The invitation to submit feedback on the effectiveness of the AA message transmitted via this medium (ie. the written word) suggests the author(s) were not entirely convinced of its efficacy, which itself intimates a healthy open-mindedness, if not humility, on their part.

Again it's interesting to observe the repetition of the expression “wish to be helpful” or “like to be helpful”. There is nothing here to suggest that we're out to convert anyone to our point of view. If you don't fancy what we've got to offer - no problem! Such an unintrusive, non-dogmatic stance helps to make AA both more attractive and more inclusive. The converse, of course, has entirely the reverse effect. Kindly take note cult members!

Finally we're not afraid of a bit of scrutiny on the part of the 'establishment'. Why should we be!


Coming next – Foreword to Second Edition

Cheerio

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)


Caution: This curse (sorry!!) COURSE is not to be taken as AUTHORITATIVE nor is it to be regarded as DEFINITIVE in any way. Anyone found to be according it any undue status will be reported to the appropriate authorities (ie. GSO York or whoever) who will then do …. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! (quite rightly too we say!). Moreover any person discovered to be quoting from the aforementioned course will be TERMINATED with extreme prejudice!

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