A Note From Dick B.

I observe the tradition of anonymity in using Dick B. and in not posting pictures. Sometimes when you are addressing unknown places or scholars it slips through. And no one drinks or dies.

You ought to know how strongly Dr. Bob favored the idea of letting your name and address and phone be known so that people could get help. Same for Clarence Snyder and almost every early AA. They had rosters, names, addresses, phones, etc. Moreover, we are flooded with public people who present their names and pictures for good reasons and bad.

I suppose at age 82 I am more likely to recall the many long-time AAs who just don’t care about whether their names are used or not. Don’t you believe the real issue is whether people are concerned with, and active in helping the alcoholic who still suffers. That includes teaching the Big Book, Twelve Steps, history, Bible, and necessity for God.

I think Bob Pearson said it well in his parting address. A.A. has become rigid, doctrinal, and controlling; and that has caused many to withdraw into their shells and forget about Twelve-stepping, particularly if and when they are Christians carrying the message of God’s love, availability, power, and guidance.