I've been reading the Orange Papers and recognizing that the author really has clearly identified a lot of things that have been bugging me about AA.
On the flip side, in spite of the bait & switch and other dishonest things that some of the AA founders were doing, someone among them managed to slip in enough open system stuff that I can have hope. Identifying that others out there are experiencing the same thing as me, that I'm not alone has become important to me at this phase as I sort out what I need and don't need to stay sober. There may have been duplicity in what the AA founders tried to do -- but what also survived is the message that all that's required for membership is a desire to stop drinking. And that more will be revealed. And reading the story in another thread about the importance of not faking it and telling my truth, even if it stirs up the hornets, is an important part of my journey.
& ShawMac - Keep writing, I enjoy hearing from you.
CJ