The Engine of Controversy

AA--the entity, the unorganized organization--has managed, for the most part, to avoid major controversy since its inception in 1935, although members of AA by their very nature engage in controversy at every opportunity. It is controversy which has allowed AA to grow and flourish on an international plane. Controversy probably contributes more to the health of AA than any other human attribute. It has caused groups to form and reform and spearheaded expansion in all areas. In the Greater Louisville area, groups have grown from 10 in 1959 to nearly 400 now. The Jeff Group is one of the oldest, having met continually since 1955; I've been a member of that group since 1962. I did not contact AA in 1957; AA called on me at the suggestion of my long-suffering editorial boss--a controversial action.