Re: Sparky

[Guest guest]

Hi Steve;

I was used to meetings where one could say mostly what they

pleased.

This same group had rules of no profanity, no smoking and no

coffee or other stuff during the meeting. The girlfriend I was with

said " Beam me up scotty " and we left.

As to your legal problem. I may well have the same problem soon.

In May 2000, I got a DWI and operating without the consent of the

owner(My wife's car and she had a no contact order in effect at the

time) The operating without consent should't be a problem, but the

..014 breath test probably will be.

Anyway if I cop to the DWI, it will likely mean outpatient treatment

and here that means AA.

I've been through treatment around 40 times or thereabouts so as

you can well imagine, I can fake it. I don't much like the " Yes

Master " attitude that I must display a couple of hours a week, but I

can do it. However, if I can get some reasonable jail time, I'll take

that as an alternative. (Seriously) Around here I could likely do the

time on weekends and put it off till after the Super Bowl(Big time

pro football fan) My wife and I are getting along again and she

would look after Lover Boy for me.

When I was in AA years ago, I always signed court slips, even if

the person was under the influence. After all it's just some shnook

who wants to stay out of jail. The threat of lock up is more

compelling than the event. After all the horror stories one hears,

the event is a let down. Doing time is fighting boredom more than

anything else.

You of course might consider suit under 42 USC 1983, which is the

civil rights act of 1964. The premise being that AA is a religion and

the court cannot order a man to make a religous conversion. Be

aware that this might leave the court with discretion enough to put

you in a mental institution. Of course if you are alcohol and drug

free that would be a non-starter.

The length of your probation enters into it also. The Federal 1983

suit I began in 1979, was settled out of court in 1983(I won). That

one was over denial of medical treatment by an unqualified person.

Actually a guard captain who wouldn't allow the doctor to keep me

in the University of Iowa hospital because they were short of

guards. He far exceeded his authority and he and I clashed

everytime we met.

Well, I went far afield there. What I meant was your probation

would likely be long past by the time you got a resolution from the

court. However, if you won, it would eventually end forced AA

emanating from the court system.

I may test the water myself if my health stays reasonable.

Don't let 'em wear you down.

Best of the season to you,