AARP... is it worth it?

[ArkansasTraveler]

Originally Posted by KevK

The AARP does not take positions on issues that are not of concern to seniors. They do not have a position on gun control

So I had "Factor" researchers look at the AARP policy book. And we found a very liberal philosophy. For example, the organization favors strict gun control, entitlements for migrant workers and a progressive tax policy.

It says, "tax revenue sources should distribute the tax burden according to people's ability to pay," -- right out of the Marx handbook. "Taxation should be progressive."

More at

FOXNews.com - Put the AARP in the Progressive Camp - Bill O’Reilly | The O’Reilly Factor

And --
Now we've invited the leadership of the AARP on “The Factor” many times. They've turned us down, hiding out, counting the money.

And young Americans should be very worried about the AARP. It has 35 million members and it wants to raise your taxes to pay your senior entitlements.

[sactobill]

AARP is the WORST. They bombard your mailbox with useless paper ads on a weekly basis. I joined AARP at 50 but quit 6 months later. For some reason they tracked me and started sending me those useless ads when I turned 56. I finally emailed them and pleaded to get off their mailing list. They emailed me back and said they would BUT it would take another 4-5 weeks! If you want discounts then try other options that are less invasive.

[goldengrain]

Originally Posted by sactobill

AARP is the WORST. They bombard your mailbox with useless paper ads on a weekly basis. I joined AARP at 50 but quit 6 months later. For some reason they tracked me and started sending me those useless ads when I turned 56. I finally emailed them and pleaded to get off their mailing list. They emailed me back and said they would BUT it would take another 4-5 weeks! If you want discounts then try other options that are less invasive.

It started as a lobbying group for older people, I think, but has turned into a money-making marketing scheme.

I am liberal in that when younger people have no money it is often (until the fall of the economy) because they are lazy, chose not to go to school or to have a family that they could not afford. At any rate, I think if they are healthy they can work. I know a woman who works 12 hours each day. I worked and put myself through school at night when I could afford to take classes. Graduated with no debt. My husband often worked two jobs. We saved and paid cash for most things.

But, when old people who are not able to work need help, I am willing to give money. They cannot just work longer hours. I am getting older and understand how hard it can be. Some sacrificed their retirement money for their kids' school, which I think dumb. Some have worked for pensions that their companies spent on other things and the government allowed the companies to get away with doing that. Some got ill with no health coverage and were wiped out.

No, I think the old have fewer and often no, options. I am willing to help the elderly.

[sirron]

A hint for the OP: If you still decide you want to join AARP, alter your name or address slightly, for example, use your middle name or write 'road' instead of 'avenue'. This won't be enough of a change to stop your mail delivery. Then, you can accurately gauge whether AARP has sold this new, altered address to other companies. Trust me, it works like a charm.

[amcjap]

Here is the conservative alternative to AARP:

Medicare Insurance Prescription Discounts Senior Citizens