The Czar of South Florida AA – Sandy B. 🤣

About This Speaker Tape

East Coast Convention - 2019

Sandy B. dismantles the misconception that AA's structure is automatic or effortless tracing the Traditions back to the wreckage of the Washingtonians—a 19th-century society that collapsed due to ego political entanglement and a thirst for notoriety. Sandy B. argues that the Traditions are not fear-based rules but spiritual principles of humility and self-sacrifice. He cuts through the modern 'business meeting' culture calling it 'balderdash' and a violation of the fellowship's benevolent anarchy. Through examples of defunct groups in North Miami and the Biscayne Room he warns that groups violating these principles—specifically those fighting over money or power—become 'black holes' and inevitably die. He frames the First and Twelfth Traditions as bookends of recovery asserting that personal sobriety hinges on the unity of the fellowship and the placement of principles before personalities.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Sandy B. discusses the 'spiritual kindergarten' and 'emotional teenage' state of early recovery.
• 3:12 History: The Washingtonians and the dangers of seeking public notoriety.
• 7:40 Discussion of the 11th and 12th Traditions regarding anonymity and humility.
• 12:15 Laughter: Sandy B. jokes about the 'AA police' and the concept of benevolent anarchy.
• 16:30 Critique of 'business meetings' and the corruption of group conscience.
• 22:10 AA History: The financial relationship between Bill W., Dr. B., and R.
• 28:45 The 1950 Cleveland Convention and how the Traditions were 'railroaded' through.
• 32:10 Warning: The death of the Archcreep Group and other North Miami groups due to money fights.
• 36:50 Analysis of the First Tradition and the necessity of AA unity for personal recovery.
• 41:20 Closing: The 'stairway group' and the importance of Big Book-centered recovery.