SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information - View Single Post - Interesting Historical Trivia for the AA Members...

rhnorment · 05-09-2009, 04:08 PM

I am fascinated by the science of alcoholism and the history of AA, so please forgive me in advance. But I thought I would share some interesting history of AA that many AA members may not know about.

In 1939, President Roosevelt held a meeting with Bill W and John D. Rockefeller (JDR), the oil baron. JDR's father was a horrible alcoholic and JDR gave millions to hospitals (prior to AA) that promised to cure alcoholism. JDR abhorred alcohol, and it turned out to be a big driver in his donations.

Anyway, the 3 men met in 1939. President Roosevelt was so impressed with Bill W's movement that he (FDR) wanted to make AA a government program, fully subsidized for all members.

JDR (Rockefeller), vehemently disagreed with Pres FDR. Rockefeller said, "if AA becomes a government program, then anyone will join." Rockefeller said "the only way to make AA work is if the members pay for their own recovery, for paying one's way is the only real way to sobriety."

Bill W agreed with Rockefeller over FDR: AA should be self-sustaining and not be a government program.

Thus, we pay at every meeting. And rightly so. It keeps us sober.

This story is 100% true and is highlighted in the book "Titan" by Ron Chernow about the story of Rockefeller. Rockefeller was on our side!

/rhn

05-09-2009, 04:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
rhnorment Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 90	Interesting Historical Trivia for the AA Members... I am fascinated by the science of alcoholism and the history of AA, so please forgive me in advance. But I thought I would share some interesting history of AA that many AA members may not know about. In 1939, President Roosevelt held a meeting with Bill W and John D. Rockefeller (JDR), the oil baron. JDR's father was a horrible alcoholic and JDR gave millions to hospitals (prior to AA) that promised to cure alcoholism. JDR abhorred alcohol, and it turned out to be a big driver in his donations. Anyway, the 3 men met in 1939. President Roosevelt was so impressed with Bill W's movement that he (FDR) wanted to make AA a government program, fully subsidized for all members. JDR (Rockefeller), vehemently disagreed with Pres FDR. Rockefeller said, "if AA becomes a government program, then anyone will join." Rockefeller said "the only way to make AA work is if the members pay for their own recovery, for paying one's way is the only real way to sobriety." Bill W agreed with Rockefeller over FDR: AA should be self-sustaining and not be a government program. Thus, we pay at every meeting. And rightly so. It keeps us sober. This story is 100% true and is highlighted in the book "Titan" by Ron Chernow about the story of Rockefeller. Rockefeller was on our side! /rhn