Re: [freedomofmind] Fwd: AA on the Freedom of Mind site

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 04/24/2000 10:43:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

watts_pete@h... writes:

[FOM site:]

> we certainly do NOT think that

> AA fits the BITE mind control model. & #34;

>

[Pete:]

> Fair expression of opinion, and given it, again I admire the fact

> that AA is on there at all.

Actually, I do think that AA fits the BITE model, as my original post

argued.

I have argued all along that AA uses mind control methods that can be

identified by models such as BITE and Lifton's thought reform themes.

If you want a " fair expression, " here is one by E. Vaillant, a

psychiatrist who authored the most extensive prospective study of

" alcoholism " ever undertaken. In no way can Vaillant be characterized

as an

enemy or critic of AA.

" AA certainly functions as a cult and systematically indoctrinates

its

members in ways common to cults the world over. The negative side

effects of

AA, however, are perhaps more benign than those of any other cult

with

which

I am familiar. " E. Vaillant, 'The Natural History of

Alcoholism

Revisited,' 1995, page 266.

I personally do not agree that AA's " negative side effects " are

" benign. " It

has to be remembered that a very large majority of " AA members " never

achieve

recovery in AA. Yet their core identity has been attacked and changed

by AA

and the 12-Step cabal. Because of XA's use of mind control

indoctrination

methods, and because of its hegemony (something that every cult wants

but

none other has) it is a group that merits concern. Right now, AA is

an

exception to the rule that those who are exposed to mind control

should be

educated about the possible negative side effects of that experience.

Sincerely,

Doc

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