From the Grass Roots

THERE is some disagreement over the question of whether taking that first drink is or is not a deliberate act. One answer is that before coming into AA we had no choice; that AA does give us that choice. But this debate has nothing to do with the nature of membership in AA. We do not condemn the slipper; if we know our stuff we don't even presume to judge whether the act was deliberate or not. Our sole purpose as a group is to help the alcoholic who still suffers. Toward fellow-members we extend the understanding and co-operation, and the gratitude for theirs, which keeps us all on the beam.