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Among AA historians, Houck is widely considered a Fraud, a Fake. It’s doubtful he ever met Bill W., almost certainly wasn’t as ‘close’ as he would have everyone believe (witnesses all dead; no one could contradict him!), although HE WAS active in the Maryland OG in the late 1930s.
Jim Houck’s sudden appearance in Maryland AA circa 1995 – with a pre-AA Sobriety Date and so many other odd stories that just didn’t smell right – was extremely controversial. He wouldn’t have been the first AA faker, and he won’t be the last.
Most AA archivists and entities rejected Houck’s claims as bogus. Just because someone says something, doesn’t make it true. History must be based on Facts; beware of ‘story-tellers.’
Thank you for this information. I needed to hear it. It validated my gut reaction to this royal con interview. I was a little pissed at the end
This man was certainly not a fake . He lived an honest life and sacrificed so much to help others.
Well said. God bless 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸
I know some of his family personally and they don’t believe he’s fake so I’ll go with them.
Well Bill, I am an A.A. historian and I am unaware of any non-factual information that was revealed in this interview.
Fact – Bill WAS obsessed with working with “drunks” from the early days of his involvement in the Oxford Groups.
Fact – Bill was a womanizer.
There was nothing inaccurate in James’ talk with regards to Bill.
James was never an A.A. member and therefore understandably can only speak of A.A. from an observational standpoint, and not an experiential one.
Sadly, many members of A.A. today share that same attribute.
It is good to read the A.A. approved literature, and to do some research into A.A. and the Oxford Group’s history thereby obtaining the actual “facts”, rather than taking other people’s word for it.
This a great interview from a historical stand point.
Speaking on a spiritual movement.
From a recovery stand point he misses the mark and why he never left the O. G.
James Houck admits in this interview that he realized he did have a problem w/ alcohol his was a problem of honesty.
He didnt suffer from the allergy or obsession.
Hence his disregard for the drunkologue.
Our past is our greatest asset.