I echo those who feel that if this Fellowship ever falters or fails, it will not be because of any outside cause.
No, it will not be because of treatment centers or professionals in the field, or non-Conference-approved literature, or young people, or the dually-addicted, or even the "druggies" trying to come to our closed meetings.
If we stick close to our Traditions, Concepts, and Warranties, and if we keep an open mind and an open heart, we can deal with these and any other issues that we have or ever will have.
If we ever falter and fail, it will be simply because of us.
It will be because we can't control our own egos or get along well enough with each other. It will be because we have too much fear and rigidity and not enough trust and common sense.
Bob P. (1917-2008), General Manager of the General Service Office from 1974 to 1984, then Senior Advisor to the G.S.O. from 1985 until his retirement.
His story is in the Big Book as "AA Taught Him to Handle Sobriety," 3rd edit. (1976) pp. 554-561, 4th edit. (2001) pp. 553-559.
These words were spoken as part of Bob P's last address to GSO late in the 1980s.
I agree with Bob. P. (even though the word "druggies" makes me giggle.)