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I received a petition that said the AARP is doing back room deals again, to undermine its own members by negotiating with cutbacks in Social Security benefits to be on the table.
The AARP sells so much insurance to its members that some think of it as an arm of the industry, and not a representative of the elderly.
This "Salon" is just another brainstorming session of Washington think tanks and lobbyists. It has no more effect than any other such gatherings. Even a Presidential Commission didn't get anything done.
If and when the Congress and President can agree on a reform proposal, Social Security will be changed. We are probably a couple of election cycles from that occurring. Even then, the changes are not likely to effect anyone over 55 at the time the legislation is passed.
This "Salon" is just another brainstorming session of Washington think tanks and lobbyists. It has no more effect than any other such gatherings. Even a Presidential Commission didn't get anything done.
If and when the Congress and President can agree on a reform proposal, Social Security will be changed. We are probably a couple of election cycles from that occurring. Even then, the changes are not likely to effect anyone over 55 at the time the legislation is passed.
This article, to me, is less about Social Security and more about the AARP betraying the interests of its members.
They are touted as a lobbying group for the aged, yet betray those interests.
I do not blow off meetings such as this. When things happen between our government and lobbyists behind closed doors, if an agreement is found, things can change rapidly.
Look at how quickly NAFTA and CAFTA were passed. They were voting on it at midnight, for goodness sake, to cram it through without the public being alerted. At the time the public was hearing things like you just said - it takes forever to get agreements on things, and there will be lots of time to discuss things, don't be concerned right now, it's too early to worry.
This is nothing new as when they support the healthcare bill and it had funding by 500 billion in medicare cuts over ten years ;they loss alot of people. In the end I highly doubt many are going to fall for this now.Now i am not saying somethig doesn't have to be doen on mediccare but trnsfer to otehr program such as this to pay for that program and supporting it against your members interest is what your paid to do.If you piad to lobby then lobby is what i say;not cut a deal aginst there interest.
I hold no particular brief for the AARP, which I never joined. And I agree that the money they earn from insurance sales makes them suspect. However, maintaining Social Security benefits and strengthening Social Security has long been their publically announced policy. Therefore, color me skeptical at this point, especially as I think they must be smart enough (in a calculating way) to realize that their being a party to cutting SS benefits would result in a mass exodus of outraged members. Not saying the OP is wrong, but it just doesn't make sense to me.
The AARP sells so much insurance to its members that some think of it as an arm of the industry, and not a representative of the elderly.
I follow the political events closely, and my opinion differs from yours. I think the organization is doing a good job representing its members. It operates in the real world, not one comprised of fantasies.
Common sense says SS reform is inevitable. AARP just wants a seat at the table, that's all. It's against their agenda to promote some reform that will harm seniors. What possible good would that do their organization? I'm sure members will be renewing and buying lots of that insurance, if AARP helps to take their SS checks away.
QUIT AARP last election when they decided to back the current president....will NEVER associate with them again. JMHO!
I see this organization as "using the eldery" to project/fund their own political beliefs and policies regardless of the outcome for those that pay their bills.
What is the difference between them and ANY other scammer out there taking advantage of those that are older????
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