Rediscovered Conscience

I TAKE my pen in hand to lodge a strenuous protest with some of my brethren who sound off without considering what they are saying or its impact on others, particularly the new man. I refer to the old-timer who, at the drop of a hat, spouts that shopworn shibboleth, "I am just as near a drink as the newest member in the group." Naturally, being alkies, we wish to make like elder statesmen and come up with the wisecrack that is supposed to contain a germ of great truth, but seldom does. But if any man who has been in AA long enough to earn the appellation of old-timer is just as near a drink as a new man, all I can say is he'd better go out and come back in again. He has just been going through the motions.