The Most Dangerous Chapter in the BB

Was there knowing intent by Bill from day 1?

The reason for the publication of AA's "Big Book" is given in its foreword - it was seen by the original hundred members or so as a way of "carrying the message". Incidentally a very practical reason for anonymity is given there - the idea that it is a "spiritual foundation" was developed by Wilson later and I doubt one AA member in a hundred could give a coherent account of it.

The "12 and 12" (hint - you can always tell a sick AA member because they call it the "12 BY 12") was written to promote the Traditions within AA. Wilson had a lot of trouble getting the Fellowship to adopt them - even in his lifetime he was widely seen as an interfering bossyboots - and the Board suggested that in order to make the book containing them more attractive he also write a set of essays on the Steps. The preface to the "12 and 12" makes it clear that it's just one man's opinion, but don't say that at an AA meeting if you want anyone to invite you to the coffee bar afterwards.

Wilson was, before the booze got on top of him altogether, a stockbroker. He had a lot of debts when he got sober and I don't know if he ever paid them all. After he died, the AA Board gave the royalties from these books to his widow, Lois (the founder of Al-Anon).

Innocent Abroad-
Bill Wilson was never a licenced stockbroker in the state of New York or any other state. He was a "stock analyst". Lois Wilson received 90% of royalties and Bill's mistress, Helen Wynn, received 10% of royalties by way of Bill's will. The 12 and 12 was co-authured by Tom Powers, who never received compensation for his effort and subsequently left AA. The 12 traditions were first published in "Grapevine" magazine in early 1940's and accepted by General Service Board at national convention in 1950.

I personally benefitted a great deal from the fellowship of AA, and I met a wonderful group of people that I continue to befriend today. Some were even around in Bill's day. I just think that he wrote a number of decent things that can be helpful, but even AA admits that it is but one way to get sober and that it will work for some and not for others. I hear the same thing from anynumber of reps for rehabs. I remember getting into it with a gentleman that couldn't abide the thought that Bill cheated on his wife, Lois. I understand the same thing, the he got royalties from books sales (but that these did not include the BB)and split them between Lois and Helen. Helen bought a house in Ireland before Bill died and she was unable to see him very much. Think what you want to of him. I feel he was a man that compiled some good stuff together into a workable plan that people can follow to some success. After all, the 12 steps are in every major religion of the world, which is one reason why most people can relate to them in some fashion. They've already been exposed to them if they've been to church at all. I quit going to meetings because we relocated and I didn't like the meetings in that area. But I still agree with the "support" idea behind getting well. After all, for me, the meetings were no different than what some of my other friends are doing - hiring "life coaches" to help them with their issues. And if it works for them, fine.

This contention that AA says that it is only one of many ways to get sober is a classic example of how a cult works. They will say this in public to stay attractive to medical and legal institutions, but it is a different story once you cross over the threshold. "The newcomer is the most important person in the room" is AA's way of saying "We've got fresh blood - let the indoctrination begin".

A newcomer will usually be subdued and nervous - unsure of what to expect. You don't walk into the rooms for the first time for fun. There is usually quite a bit of desperation involved. Having been informed a newcomer is present, the shares will usually be directly aimed at the newcomer. How many times have I heard "I tried EVERYTHING, but AA is the only thing that worked for me". Provided they're not all complete beginners at the indoctrination game, any newcomer will leave their first meeting think "Wow, I've saved myself a lot of pain and suffering finding this place. All these people can't be wrong". Hooked.

Bill W certainly DID steal the royalties from the BB. He did so illegally and used the "for the good of the suffering alcoholic" blackmail to cover up his scam. He should have gone to prison for what he did, but he conned enough people into keeping quiet.

"....but God could AND WOULD if he were sought". AA is the only religion on earth that has God jumping through hoops for them. Miracles on demand. It's a bloody disgrace and the sooner the powers that be in the church find out about it, the better. The Oxford Group practices were banned by the Catholic Church.