Controversial

Experience with the alcoholics and drug addicts in the recovery program ETA has taught me that most of us like to play the victim role, at least upon occasion. I define victim as one who accepts everything that happens, takes no action to prevent it's happening, and then proceeds to whine about it. Victims also like to allow situations they find unacceptable continue, without taking any action to change it, and then proceed to whine about it.

Some popular phrases floating around in ETA encourage this attitude. A couple of examples are:
"Acceptance is the answer to of all my problems today." This is the number one offender.

"We are powerless over all people, places and things." How do you know if you haven't tried to change anything?

"Let go and let God." If a person hasn't been taught how to do this the saying is as helpful as ' Well, honey, just don't drink!' was when we were trying to quit on our own.

"Put your big girl/boy panties on and deal with it." There is a very good chance that this last one will stir up some animosity in those who are close to me. Except, if you say this and don't offer any ideas on how they are to deal with it, all you are doing is invalidating the feelings of the person you said it to.

Alcoholics and drug addicts in recovery (that work/live the 12 steps) are taught how to take responsibility for our own life. We are also encouraged to not whine about where we are at in the game of life. We are supposed to do the footwork and leave the outcome up to the old HP. Our basic text tells us that we are no body's doormat and that we crawl/bow before no man or woman.

We all knew how to bitch and moan and whine long before we got to recovery. We don't need any more practice with that type of behavior. Go vote (today, in some states). If you are not a registered voter, then attend to that neglect of responsibility today so that you are ready to stand up and give back something to the United States. It is the country who's laws allow you to buy as much booze as you need to try and kill yourself. It is the same country who's laws allow us hold as many recovery meetings as we need to save our lives. It is also the same country that allows us to build and maintain a connection with a Higher Power of our own understanding.

Millions have given their time, limbs and lives for these privileges. Take a few minutes out of your precious day to tell each one of our soldiers you think their sacrifices are worth it by voting.

If you're too selfish or lazy to vote, or register to vote, and then commence to complain about the sad state of our country, know that you allowed it to become as such by doing nothing to prevent or change it. Poor little victim, suffering the consequences of you own inaction. Here, let me shove a pacifier into your mouth.


Have a good and sober day.