I received, reviewed, and liked the comments of our new
president. Particularly his stated points. As to the
addition of drugs and change of name, I concur. The “International
Society…..” suggestion grabs me, as I think the “group”
portion may be in need of change. As to drugs, I also concur. You cannot attend
a meeting in the AA scene today without hearing about drugs. You cannot sponsor
men and women as I have done without seeing the concurrent use of drugs. You
cannot encounter A.A.’s “singleness of
purpose” people without wondering if they are dwelling in the past
instead of the world of ice, LSD, heroin, pot, sex drugs, etc. History should
cover contemporary history as well as the 1800’s. There is a distinct
difference between the growing number of religious groups that herd every type
of addict into one pen and the understanding and support that occur when so-called
“alcoholic/addicts” are grouped together because of their common
plight. In sum, please change the name so that it includes “international
society,” add drugs if you will, and keep the openness which has so
characterized your group, your posts, and your membership. No moderating
censors given authority by ATGH. Let them peddle their narrow-minded
restrictive “history” in some other room. You have a fine group of
sharing scholars, and that’s the way to support, serve, and grow. God
Bless, Richard G. Burns, J.D. (Dick B.)