DUI on AA Co-Founder's Lawn is Ironic Twist
Driver Thought He Was in Parking Lot
Donald Blood III, 55, of Marlboro, Mass. has been issued a DUI after driving his car onto AA co-founder Bill Wilson's front lawn. It's a sad twist of irony, given that Wilson is one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, which has been around since 1935 and his home is still used to house weekly meetings.
The incident occurred on Christmas Eve and fortunately no one was hurt. Blood told authorities he thought he was actually driving his car onto a parking lot, the Rutland Herald reported. He was then arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 14.
Ironically, the property he drove onto is known as Wilson House, which was built in 1852, the Herald noted. Bill Wilson was born there and the house is still used as a "place of sanctuary where people can come to give thanks to God for their new lives," according to its website. Several Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place every week.
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Alcoholics Anonymous is, of course, a popular meeting group for those dealing with alcohol addiction. It has spawned several other "anonymous" groups, including Overeaters, Shoppers, and Narcotics. Its premise is to provide security and safety for those who need to talk about their problems and addictions.
"The origins of Alcoholics Anonymous can be traced to the Oxford Group, a religious movement popular in the early 20th century," aa.org states. Bill Wilson (known as Bill W. on the site) spoke with a friend known as Ebby, who practiced the Oxford Group principles and had successfully overcome his addiction to alcohol.
Wilson "underwent a powerful spiritual experience unlike any he had ever known. His depression and despair were lifted, and he felt free and at peace. Bill stopped drinking, and worked the rest of his life to bring that freedom and peace to other alcoholics. The roots of Alcoholics Anonymous were planted," the organization's website explains.
Since then, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped over 2 million members, according to its website.
