Posted on 04/19/2014 12:34:18 PM PDT by skeptoid
Among AA adherents (and even nonbelievers), it is acknowledged and grimly understood that “there are such unfortunates” who will not achieve sobriety – and who, because of the chronic and progressive nature of the disease, will die. “They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way,” the Big Book says.
One of those unfortunates it seems was state Rep. Steve Smith, R-Mound, who served his district and the state for 21 years running – the longest tenure of any House Republican at the time. Though a cause of death has not yet been released, Smith’s son, his legislative colleagues and dear friends have said that his death, which was discovered last week, was most certainly related to his struggle with alcoholism. He was 64.
(Excerpt) Read more at minnpost.com ...
If the unfortunate man - Steve Smith - was a Democrat would we see this so soon after his death?
I’m an alcoholic. I quit years ago. No AA, just a lot of good
friends telling me I need to stop.
The only excuse for someone not stopping when they should
is the lack of self discipline. The same goes for smoking.
I quit 5 years ago. It’s hard, both were two of the hardest
things to do for me. Nether smoking or drinking is ever
impossible to quit, it’s just hard to do so.
I think so; his son and fellow Repubican legislators contributed most of the comments in the story.
But that’s just it. Republicans. If they were all Democrats, I am not so sure we would here about this so soon. To this day Ted Kennedy often STILL is eulogized without reference to the fact that he was a scumbag.
As a sober member of AA for 26 years, I was surprised that the writer of the article forgot about AA’s traditions.
Especially ...personal anonymity at the lever of the press. Once you are dead, we can use your last name, but to his sponsor, I wonder if after 30 years, he forgot to remain with-full-name?
DOUBLE DIP:
I am sober as I write this post, it’s just that I have the
flu and can’t see straight nor think straight.
yes, I did hit spell check and proof read my last post...
we get better, but never well.
May he rest in peace and obtain the serenity he was unable to achieve in this life. Prayers up for his family.
This is a very sad story.
Rest in peace, Steve Smith.
Bill Wilson made was clear about those who criticize any techniques used by genuine alcoholics to quit drinking. He strongly denounced it.
Yes, drinking in excess over a long period of time can kill you, but it is not a disease, but simply a lack of self discipline.
It is incredibly sad. He died alone in a freezing house wrapped up in a blanket....no friends, no family ever checked on him for months. Heartbreaking.
People tried to check on him, but he didn’t respond.
We should outlaw the stuff.
Yeah, it's a horrible disease and every year millions suffer it's wages. Innocent and guilty alike.
May he rest in peace and obtain the serenity he was unable to achieve in this life. Prayers up for his family.
Well said, Atreides.
If it were just a John Doe, there wouldn’t be contemporary commentary, but this man was well known in his district, a public figure in that area. And it’s pretty clear his problem wasn’t any secret to those who knew him. Sad.
About 15 years ago, concerned about my behavior and future health, I quit drinking. No other motivation nor assistance. Thought I’d done something.
After 5 years or so I picked up again thinking what the heck. Things went well for a spell. Then I got stuck into the drink and made up for lost time.
Bloody well near ran out of time.
Referred to AA, I became active in the program and remain so. Amazing that what had been a problem became a sometime unpleasant memory and constant reminder.
Just celebrated 8-years. No regrets, it was my time and I was fortunate to hear the clock chime.
Joke in “The Rooms” is we come in via courtesy of one of the “Three L’s - our Lover, Lawyer or Liver”. My wife’s love get’s the credit.
The fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous is a wonderful, divinely inspired organization. It has saves countless lives since its’ inception in the late 30’s. The fellowship within AA has given new life to many people who struggle with relationships, friendships, employers and other human family interaction. There is more to sobriety than quitting the alcohol. Whatever works for you is fine , and I hope you are happy. Alcoholics need other alcoholics to facilitate long term sobriety. No one else understands our situation and experiences. I am 17 years sober with AA. I am glad I didn’t have to do it alone. God bless you. Give it a try , Somewhere, there is a sick and suffering drunk waiting for your message. Some of us were meant to be sacrificed to this disease so others can learn from it.
And I think it is dangerous for some who don't know what that struggle is like to flippantly say: "They just weren't trying hard enough", or some-such.
I'm sober 22 years - God interrupted my self-destruction, and I put in a lot of hard work.
But I've seen others work pretty darn hard, too - and just can't seem to put together any decent clean time.
I have been to so many funerals in the past 22 years, it's heart-breaking.
I don't know why I've made it this far, and others haven't.
I do know, though, that I don't know everything, and that it's dangerous for me to try to judge what is in someone else's heart.
But I do have a greater understanding of "Grace". Amazing.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.