Alcoholics Anonymous:
Physician Fears Retaliation
Brad J. Broyles M.D.
From: "Brad J. Broyles M.D."
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: Positive Atheism, Cliff's Writings
Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2000
I was told by an ardent fan of yours that you are soliciting stories for a book? I have been entangled in what feels like a war with the State of Florida as I have been labeled an "impaired physician" and tortured by a State totalitarianism that relies upon intimidation, coercion and retaliation as their modus operandi. They indoctrinate AA dogma with constant messages such as "You are a sick fuck," "Your best thinking got you here," "Our way is the only way;" and I have even been told by an agent of the "PRN" - "Someone will shoot you, that's what'll happen to you!" We are clearly retaliated against for showing any opposition, e.g., "I hope this teaches you a lesson."
From the very beginning, my wife and I have been shocked and horrified at the obvious abuse and violations of our civil rights, especially of the First Amendment. By invoking themselves as our "higher power" they have committed the ultimate violation of the Establishment Clause... are we to say goodbye to our Bill of Rights once and for all to an oppressive and hypocritical oligarchy?
I have filed a petition to the First District Court of Appeals (Florida) in objection. Other physicians fear coming forward because of the threat of reprisal. My only real hope, I believe, is for public exposure and eventual review and intervention by the Federal Government, (if they can find it within themselves to uphold our individual rights). Thomas Szaz asks, "how has medicine succeeded in doing what religion could not do?" Implying, of course, medicine's alliance with the State to censor, indoctrinate, and abuse its citizens.
I would love an opportunity to share more information with you, and would be glad to forward a copy of the petition if you are interested. And I would certainly appreciate an opportunity to contribute to a collection if you are indeed seeking authors.
Brad J. Broyles M.D.
Association for Physician and Professionals' Rights
From: "Positive Atheism Magazine" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To: "Brad J. Broyles M.D."
Subject: Re: Positive Atheism, Cliff's Writings
Date: Thursday, November 2, 2000
We are not the ones writing a book, but will post your letter in our forum.
With either Bush or Gore as our next President, we can look forward to more -- not less -- of this type of abuse: both are ardent supporters of religion-based drug rehab.
Meanwhile, yes! The only actual persecution I have endured as an atheist has been at the hands of Twelve Steppers who thought it was their duty to assault me or to threaten me with physical violence. Given their indoctrination into the view that AA is the only thing that works, I was widely seen as a murderer for explaining to people (indeed, by showing people, with my life) that there's a better way than AA.
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Five years of service to
people with no reason to believe
Material by Cliff Walker (including unsigned editorial commentary) is copyright ©1995-2006 by Cliff Walker. Each submission is copyrighted by its writer, who retains control of the work except that by submitting it to Positive Atheism, permission has been granted to use the material or an edited version: (1) on the Positive Atheism web site; (2) in Positive Atheism Magazine; (3) in subsequent works controlled by Cliff Walker or Positive Atheism Magazine (including published or posted compilations). Excerpts not exceeding 500 words are allowed provided the proper copyright notice is affixed. Other use requires permission; Positive Atheism will work to protect the rights of all who submit their writings to us.