Guardians of the Traditions...

Either the 12 Traditions are beyond question as immutable truths handed down from on high (which I cannot even think without laughing) or the Traditions are empirically gleaned guidelines generated by early AA experience (circa 1935 to 1955). I have no use for the theory (or cop-out) that dresses itself up as "revelation." I believe the Traditions are empirical in nature and so they are susceptible to the same scientific scrutiny as any other practical guideline that is founded on experience. That said, the Traditions are open for debate. I take issue with the following Traditions, or at least, with some of the interpretations that are being batted around the rooms:

3. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.

5. Each group has but one primary purpose-to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

6. An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

10. Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.