7-26-06

[readandpostrosie]

July 26, 2006

Daily Reflections


THE "WORTH" OF SOBRIETY

Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside
contributions.
TWELVE AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 160

When I go shopping I look at the prices and if I need what I see, I buy
it and pay. Now that I am supposed to be in rehabilitation, I have to
straighten out my life. When I go to a meeting, I take a coffee with
sugar and milk, sometimes more than one. But at the collection time, I
am either too bust to take money out of my purse, or I do not have
enough, but I am there because I need this meeting. I heard someone
suggest dropping the price of a beer into the basket, and I thought,
that's too much! I almost never give one dollar. Like many others, I
rely on the more generous members to finance the Fellowship. I forget
that it takes money to rent the meeting room, buy my milk, sugar and
cups. I will pay, without hesitation, ninety cents for a cup of coffee at a
restaurant after the meeting; I always have money for that. So, how
much is my sobriety and my inner peace worth?

************************************************** *********

[Ron G]

"readandpostrosie" <readandpost@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:eUKxg.1005$zg.709@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> July 26, 2006
>
> Daily Reflections
>
>
> THE "WORTH" OF SOBRIETY
>
> Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside
> contributions.
> TWELVE AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 160
>
> When I go shopping I look at the prices and if I need what I see, I buy
> it and pay. Now that I am supposed to be in rehabilitation, I have to
> straighten out my life. When I go to a meeting, I take a coffee with
> sugar and milk, sometimes more than one. But at the collection time, I
> am either too bust to take money out of my purse, or I do not have
> enough, but I am there because I need this meeting. I heard someone
> suggest dropping the price of a beer into the basket, and I thought,
> that's too much! I almost never give one dollar. Like many others, I
> rely on the more generous members to finance the Fellowship. I forget
> that it takes money to rent the meeting room, buy my milk, sugar and
> cups. I will pay, without hesitation, ninety cents for a cup of coffee at
> a
> restaurant after the meeting; I always have money for that. So, how
> much is my sobriety and my inner peace worth?
>
> ************************************************** *********
>
>

This is not unique to AA. It has become the american way. I am all for it as
long as someone else pays and does the work.

RonG

[Tex]

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:22:02 GMT, "readandpostrosie"
<readandpost@yahoo.com> wrote:

>July 26, 2006
>
>Daily Reflections
>
>
>THE "WORTH" OF SOBRIETY
>
>Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside
>contributions.
>TWELVE AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 160
>
>When I go shopping I look at the prices and if I need what I see, I buy
>it and pay. Now that I am supposed to be in rehabilitation, I have to
>straighten out my life. When I go to a meeting, I take a coffee with
>sugar and milk, sometimes more than one. But at the collection time, I
>am either too bust to take money out of my purse, or I do not have
>enough, but I am there because I need this meeting. I heard someone
>suggest dropping the price of a beer into the basket, and I thought,
>that's too much! I almost never give one dollar. Like many others, I
>rely on the more generous members to finance the Fellowship. I forget
>that it takes money to rent the meeting room, buy my milk, sugar and
>cups. I will pay, without hesitation, ninety cents for a cup of coffee at a
>restaurant after the meeting; I always have money for that. So, how
>much is my sobriety and my inner peace worth?
>
>************************************************** *********
>
Guilt trip economics?

If the deal is suppose to be self-supporting through our own
contributions and those contributions are voluntary....then guilt
trips aren't necessary.

[Tex]

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:42:48 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:

>This is not unique to AA. It has become the american way. I am all for it as
>long as someone else pays and does the work.
>
>RonG

Then don't put the disclaimers up for all to see.....


Self-supporting

Our own contributions

Voluntary


So if an individual does or doesn't put into the basket it's no one's
business but their own.

[Ron G]

"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:neffc2l57u1a43lnmsfr3vchemmfti4tha@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:42:48 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:
>
>>This is not unique to AA. It has become the american way. I am all for it
>>as
>>long as someone else pays and does the work.
>>
>>RonG
>
> Then don't put the disclaimers up for all to see.....
>
>
> Self-supporting
>
> Our own contributions
>
> Voluntary
>
>
> So if an individual does or doesn't put into the basket it's no one's
> business but their own.

You are correct, as it is no one's business but that of the individual. I
think that the disclaimers are valid so as to not to give someone the
impression that financial donations are somehow required. On the other hand
.... if an individual has the capacity to make a financial contribution might
there not be "some" obligation on the part of the individual to make that
donation? I think that most people who make a financial contribution do so
in the spirit of helping those who will come after them and so that AA is
still around for those suffering alcoholics who may benefit from AA. If
there are no financial contributions then chances are that there would be no
AA.

RonG

[Tex]

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:55:33 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:

>
>"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:neffc2l57u1a43lnmsfr3vchemmfti4tha@4ax.com...
>> On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:42:48 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:
>>
>>>This is not unique to AA. It has become the american way. I am all for it
>>>as
>>>long as someone else pays and does the work.
>>>
>>>RonG
>>
>> Then don't put the disclaimers up for all to see.....
>>
>>
>> Self-supporting
>>
>> Our own contributions
>>
>> Voluntary
>>
>>
>> So if an individual does or doesn't put into the basket it's no one's
>> business but their own.
>
>You are correct, as it is no one's business but that of the individual. I
>think that the disclaimers are valid so as to not to give someone the
>impression that financial donations are somehow required. On the other hand
>... if an individual has the capacity to make a financial contribution might
>there not be "some" obligation on the part of the individual to make that
>donation? I think that most people who make a financial contribution do so
>in the spirit of helping those who will come after them and so that AA is
>still around for those suffering alcoholics who may benefit from AA. If
>there are no financial contributions then chances are that there would be no
>AA.
>
>RonG
>
It would seem to me if the whole voluntary deal was on the up & up
and the program worked beyond merely not drinkiing then the
contribution deal and any obligation would be self-imposed and there
would be no need of worry...though there would still be those who
looked the other way when the basket passed by.....

I personally think the informative route ....works bunches better than
the guilt route.

[Ron G]

"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:p6sfc21ipvrl98va534dt10fdr1mb6utn7@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:55:33 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:
>
<snip>

> It would seem to me if the whole voluntary deal was on the up & up
> and the program worked beyond merely not drinkiing then the
> contribution deal and any obligation would be self-imposed and there
> would be no need of worry...though there would still be those who
> looked the other way when the basket passed by.....
>


Why do you suggest that the whole voluntary deal is not on the up & up? How
do you think the program should work beyond merely not drinking? I may be
missing something here.

RonG

[Tex]

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 21:43:48 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:

>
>"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:p6sfc21ipvrl98va534dt10fdr1mb6utn7@4ax.com...
>> On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:55:33 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:
>>
><snip>
>
>> It would seem to me if the whole voluntary deal was on the up & up
>> and the program worked beyond merely not drinkiing then the
>> contribution deal and any obligation would be self-imposed and there
>> would be no need of worry...though there would still be those who
>> looked the other way when the basket passed by.....
>>
>
>
>Why do you suggest that the whole voluntary deal is not on the up & up? How
>do you think the program should work beyond merely not drinking? I may be
>missing something here.
>
>RonG
>
I didn't say it wasn't on the up & up....I said if it was there
wouldn't be a need for quilt trips.

I don't think you are missing anything ....you mentioned someone
getting sober thru aa would likely feel an obligation to help support
it so it would be there for the new people....I was just attempting to
agree with you ....while adding no matter what there will always be
people turning the other way when the basket is passed.

[Grace]

Tex wrote:
> On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:22:02 GMT, "readandpostrosie"
> <readandpost@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>>July 26, 2006
>>
>>Daily Reflections
>>
>>
>>THE "WORTH" OF SOBRIETY
>>
>>Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside
>>contributions.
>>TWELVE AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 160
>>
>>When I go shopping I look at the prices and if I need what I see, I buy
>>it and pay. Now that I am supposed to be in rehabilitation, I have to
>>straighten out my life. When I go to a meeting, I take a coffee with
>>sugar and milk, sometimes more than one. But at the collection time, I
>>am either too bust to take money out of my purse, or I do not have
>>enough, but I am there because I need this meeting. I heard someone
>>suggest dropping the price of a beer into the basket, and I thought,
>>that's too much! I almost never give one dollar. Like many others, I
>>rely on the more generous members to finance the Fellowship. I forget
>>that it takes money to rent the meeting room, buy my milk, sugar and
>>cups. I will pay, without hesitation, ninety cents for a cup of coffee at a
>>restaurant after the meeting; I always have money for that. So, how
>>much is my sobriety and my inner peace worth?
>>
>>************************************************** *********
>>
>
> Guilt trip economics?
>
> If the deal is suppose to be self-supporting through our own
> contributions and those contributions are voluntary....then guilt
> trips aren't necessary.

How about the campaign from NY, guilt-tripping members to put $2.00 in
the hat instead of $1.00. Since I'm not much interested in funding
their lawsuits, I'll stick with the buck.

[Ron G]

"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ad7gc2p00ffsq2itcv7loei6ir43bs5hlc@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 21:43:48 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>news:p6sfc21ipvrl98va534dt10fdr1mb6utn7@4ax.com...
>>> On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:55:33 -0400, "Ron G" <ron@network12.com> wrote:
>>>
>><snip>
>>
>>> It would seem to me if the whole voluntary deal was on the up & up
>>> and the program worked beyond merely not drinkiing then the
>>> contribution deal and any obligation would be self-imposed and there
>>> would be no need of worry...though there would still be those who
>>> looked the other way when the basket passed by.....
>>>
>>
>>
>>Why do you suggest that the whole voluntary deal is not on the up & up?
>>How
>>do you think the program should work beyond merely not drinking? I may be
>>missing something here.
>>
>>RonG
>>
> I didn't say it wasn't on the up & up....I said if it was there
> wouldn't be a need for quilt trips.
>
> I don't think you are missing anything ....you mentioned someone
> getting sober thru aa would likely feel an obligation to help support
> it so it would be there for the new people....I was just attempting to
> agree with you ....while adding no matter what there will always be
> people turning the other way when the basket is passed.


OK, got it. Brain cells don't always connect when they were (sigh) much
younger.

RonG

[Tex]

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 20:10:20 -0700, Grace <gracehXXX@spiritone.com>
wrote:

>
>How about the campaign from NY, guilt-tripping members to put $2.00 in
>the hat instead of $1.00. Since I'm not much interested in funding
>their lawsuits, I'll stick with the buck.

As I've said I have backed off meeting attendance quite a bit for
me...still I've been dropping $2 for quite some time....not out of
quilt rather the self-imposed obligation Ron spoke of.....I smoke and
don't blink at $5 for a pack of smokes or $2 for one of those awful
tasting high caff drinks...now if someone else told me I should do it
for those reasons...well I'd tell them to take a hike.

Personally I don't get too excited about the lawsuits....I don't agree
with them...but I don't get too excited. Now the price structure on
the BB and the BB bulk discount rate etc. that I find troublesome
unless they gone back to the old policy...I don't think they have but
I'm not sure cause I haven't bothered to ask or check.

Of course now that I'm on a fixed income....I have to watch myself
when I go to the market....I mean the good stuff which is really the
bad stuff is getting so expensive I have to start buying and eating
the good stuff which to me is the bad stuff. I'm the guy who'll bitch
about $3.45 for a gallon of gas and then turn around pay three times
that to feed my sweet tooth.

What I find interesting....ah hell I ain't getting into that...I have
sleep tonight.

[Craig S.]

"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ad7gc2p00ffsq2itcv7loei6ir43bs5hlc@4ax.com...

> no matter what there will always be
> people turning the other way when the basket is passed.

There are cheapskates in all walks of life. Actually, I see it more along
the lines of a person not able to shake the root of his troubles;
"selfishness, self-centeredness."

[Tex]

On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 06:38:14 -0400, "Craig S."
<cspurlocktakethisout@takethisoutcharter.net> wrote:

>"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:ad7gc2p00ffsq2itcv7loei6ir43bs5hlc@4ax.com...
>
>> no matter what there will always be
>> people turning the other way when the basket is passed.
>
>There are cheapskates in all walks of life. Actually, I see it more along
>the lines of a person not able to shake the root of his troubles;
>"selfishness, self-centeredness."
>

I tell ya, you have to get the multiple personality thing straightened
out!

You play the thump very convincing and then with a blink of the eye
you are down the hall drinking arf'er coffee and chewing on their
organic donuts. Moments later you slip on your Quail that can spell
jacket acting the Ronnie like Statesman going into your video
collection to see what your political policy of the day will be.

Where is it you really belong off Broadway or down on Hollywood &
Vine?

[Robert McGregor]

Craig S. wrote:
> "Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:ad7gc2p00ffsq2itcv7loei6ir43bs5hlc@4ax.com...
>
>> no matter what there will always be
>> people turning the other way when the basket is passed.
>
> There are cheapskates in all walks of life. Actually, I see it more along
> the lines of a person not able to shake the root of his troubles;
> "selfishness, self-centeredness."
>
>

"Tradition Seven" is the ultimate spiritual marshmallow test. Each time
you don't put in at a meeting here you'll be put back a row at that
great big meeting in the sky.

Bob

[Tex]

On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 23:37:59 +1000, Robert McGregor
<robert_mcgregor@knickers.yahoo.com.au> wrote:

>Craig S. wrote:
>> "Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:ad7gc2p00ffsq2itcv7loei6ir43bs5hlc@4ax.com...
>>
>>> no matter what there will always be
>>> people turning the other way when the basket is passed.
>>
>> There are cheapskates in all walks of life. Actually, I see it more along
>> the lines of a person not able to shake the root of his troubles;
>> "selfishness, self-centeredness."
>>
>>
>
>"Tradition Seven" is the ultimate spiritual marshmallow test. Each time
>you don't put in at a meeting here you'll be put back a row at that
>great big meeting in the sky.
>
>Bob

If there is such a thing then I'll end up at the other end of the deal
shoveling coal into the furnace...so the futher back the better.

[Nuts]

Tex wrote:

> I tell ya, you have to get the multiple personality thing straightened
> out!

What...? Why...? Does that mean everyone of us? Or just
all of us?

--
Justme 'N Transition

[readandpostrosie]

"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:nmkgc29o3qfuil0or937e05e1k6gvfc7rs@4ax.com...
>
> As I've said I have backed off meeting attendance quite a bit for
> me...still I've been dropping $2 for quite some time....not out of
> quilt rather the self-imposed obligation Ron spoke of.....I smoke and
> don't blink at $5 for a pack of smokes..................

a big ditto to this tex.
i have been dropping $2 in the basket for a long time, and continue to be
amazed that others don't.

the meetings i attend always have coffee at them, and the price of coffee
has gone up, surely folks know that!

we also split our basket contributions between LOCAL CENTRAL OFFICE,
DISTRICT, AND NEW YORK.

[Tex]

On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:28:05 GMT, "Nuts" <nutso_fast@yahoo.com> wrote:

>Tex wrote:
>
>> I tell ya, you have to get the multiple personality thing straightened
>> out!
>
>What...? Why...? Does that mean everyone of us? Or just
>all of us?

In your case, when you settle on a name we (all the I's in me) will
start helping you deal with the personality (ies) issues....of course
my services will be 'free' which means they will be of little or no
value.

[Tex]

On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:30:42 GMT, "readandpostrosie"
<readandpost@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
>"Tex" <twizzard@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:nmkgc29o3qfuil0or937e05e1k6gvfc7rs@4ax.com...
>>
>> As I've said I have backed off meeting attendance quite a bit for
>> me...still I've been dropping $2 for quite some time....not out of
>> quilt rather the self-imposed obligation Ron spoke of.....I smoke and
>> don't blink at $5 for a pack of smokes..................
>
>a big ditto to this tex.
>i have been dropping $2 in the basket for a long time, and continue to be
>amazed that others don't.
>
>the meetings i attend always have coffee at them, and the price of coffee
>has gone up, surely folks know that!
>
>we also split our basket contributions between LOCAL CENTRAL OFFICE,
>DISTRICT, AND NEW YORK.
>
I'm not amazed others don't in fact the whole point as far as I'm
concerned is what others put in ain't none of my business...only what
I put in is my business.

The split really doesn't play into what I put into the basket.

[Nuts]

Tex wrote:

> On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:28:05 GMT, "Nuts" <nutso_fast@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >Tex wrote:
> >
> >> I tell ya, you have to get the multiple personality thing straightened
> >> out!
> >
> >What...? Why...? Does that mean everyone of us? Or just
> >all of us?
>
> In your case, when you settle on a name we (all the I's in me) will
> start helping you deal with the personality (ies) issues....of course
> my services will be 'free' which means they will be of little or no
> value.

I'm leaning towards Gary's suggestion, Everclear. Goes down
smooth and packs a punch. Quite a serious drink, or so I'm told.
What do you think?

And how about you?

[God, now I'm channeling, Monty Python!]

--
Justin Everclear

[Tex]

On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 18:13:13 GMT, "Nuts" <nutso_fast@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I'm leaning towards Gary's suggestion, Everclear. Goes down
>smooth and packs a punch. Quite a serious drink, or so I'm told.
>What do you think?
>
>And how about you?
>
>[God, now I'm channeling, Monty Python!]
>
>--
>Justin Everclear

I took Gary's suggestion as more the dropping of Justin than to
combine it with Everclear.

Never heard of Everclear as a drink....at least not that I can
recall...my brain is dying at a faster rate these days.

I'd make the c C as EverClear to add a little class to it...You could
be EverClear AlwaysReady and if I were inclined to change I could be
AlwaysVague OneDayBehind ...instead of OneDayAtaTime.

[Nuts]

Tex wrote:

> Never heard of Everclear as a drink....at least not that I can
> recall...my brain is dying at a faster rate these days.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everclear_(alcohol)

--
NutsoClear

[Nuts]

Nuts wrote:

> Tex wrote:
>
> > Never heard of Everclear as a drink....at least not that I can
> > recall...my brain is dying at a faster rate these days.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everclear_(alcohol)
>
> --
> NutsoClear


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everclear_%28alcohol%29

[Tex]

On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 01:39:46 GMT, "Nuts" <nutso_fast@yahoo.com> wrote:

>Nuts wrote:
>
>> Tex wrote:
>>
>> > Never heard of Everclear as a drink....at least not that I can
>> > recall...my brain is dying at a faster rate these days.
>>
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everclear_(alcohol)
>>
>> --
>> NutsoClear
>
>
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everclear_%28alcohol%29

Never heard of it....sounds like it's a good thing too. :)