Wow, it's been quiet for a while. We have been having lively discussions on Traditions in our Area lately and I have made a statement that irks some folks...
The Steps are suggestions only but if you want to get better you had better work them. If you want your AA group to survive and be a growing fellowship you...
It has been my experience all that you say in your post is true Bill. It has also been my experience (read it some where - I'm sure I will find it again...
One of the hallmarks of any society that has great freedom is that some will use their freedom to take away the freedom of others. In AA, we have Tradition 4...
Though I agree with some of your assertions Gary, the question I ask is does it say anywhere that the Traditions are suggestions? As far as the 4th Tradition...
I don't think any of that works for me, Bill. What a person's motivation is, is not mentioned, simply that they have certain rights in AA. Any excuse to...
suggested?? In this pamphlet it is clearly stated that the traditions are suggested.http://www.aa.org/catalog.cfm?category=4&product=42 ... From: Gary Becktell...
Hi group, Just got back from a seminar at the wilson house, Fred H. was the presenter. One of the items he talked about was the Original manuscript, which...
Don't forget, 'Sued over and over and pushed to financial ruin'. G ... From: Kohl To: GSOwatch@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 1:09 AM Subject:...
Thanks, Paul. I noted that Bill W. wrote that, and that should end any claims to the contrary. We'll see. G ... From: Paul S. To: GSOwatch@yahoogroups.com ...
You are correct about the excerpt from the essay that Bill wrote BEFORE the Traditions were adopted where he was introducing early drafts. That essay can be...
Once again Gary, we may be talking about different things. We have groups all over my Area that I wish would just die. They shamelessly spit in the face of...
One of the beautiful things about AA is that you can do whatever the hell you want to do. One of the tragic things about AA is that you can do whatever the...
Unfortunately Jim, the collateral damage these groups cause when the poor suffering alkie comes for a solution and has the misfortune to fall into one of these...
To be exact, that excerpt was taken from an essay Bill wrote in April 1946 titled "Twelve Suggested Points for AA Tradition" where he states, "...I shall...
If I apply your logic of "anything goes in AA", then the so-called "sued or jailed members" would be a result of folks exercising their autonomy in doing the...
I like how the following article sums it up: How It (An AA Group) Works Rarely have we seen a group fail that has thoroughly followed AA's Traditions. Those...
I guess my question, is who is supposed to "enforce" them? How do we punish the offending parties when they fail to comply with Tradition? Bill provided the...
I agree with the "take them aside quietly" portion Jim, but a "Closed" meeting should remain closed...NO EXCEPTIONS! When we allow a non-alkie in a closed...
Sorry for the double dip. Bill W did specifically address these trouble making folks in a powerful essay called Tradition One (Dec 1947): From LOTH p77 -...
So when a person who uses some substance other than alcohol (like pot,coke,caffeine,nicotine,aspirin,acetomyophen,gambling,sex,relationships,sugar or any other...
If the person has NO alcohol problems, yeah, it sends out a bad message to the new folks in AA. Most of us with time may be immune to the nonsense but it does...
We currently have members that not only are not willing to ask a non-alky to leave, but are uncomfortable with anyone else doing it. Uncomfortable! So they...
Yes, Paul, I think they do. I have seen the non-alcoholics come into groups and literally push the AA program out the door. They are staying clean without it...
Funny observations Gary...and sadly true. Reminds me of this parable that you may have heard before: A Parable About Apathy There were four members in a...
"The Traditions are not rules or laws, but living principles. Principles that I live by in a society in which there are no rules. Groups that don't adhere to...
I find it incredibly strange when folks imply "rigidity"; when it comes to standing up for the Traditions. It's as if though sitting on your hands while...
