Key Seniors Association (AARP) Pivots on Benefit Cut(dropping opposition to cutting Social Security)

Source: Wall Street Journal

The decision, which AARP hasn't discussed publicly, came after a wrenching debate inside the organization. In 2005, the last time Social Security was debated, AARP led the effort to kill President George W. Bush's plan for partial privatization. AARP now has concluded that change is inevitable, and it wants to be at the table to try to minimize the pain.

"The ship was sailing. I wanted to be at the wheel when that happens," said John Rother, AARP's long-time policy chief and a prime mover behind its change of heart.

The shift, which has been vetted by AARP's board and is now the group's stance, could have a dramatic effect on the debate surrounding the future of the federal safety net, from pensions to health care, given the group's immense clout.

The shift, which has been vetted by AARP's board and is now the group's stance, could have a dramatic effect on the debate surrounding the future of the federal safety net, from pensions to health care, given the group's immense clout.

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304186404576389760955403414.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

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more here (for those who don't subscribe to WSJ):
http://mctainfo.blogspot.com/2011/06/key-seniors-association-pivots-on.html

"non-profit" org is a misnomer. And thanks for being on our side as we age into our 50's and beyond, AARP. :sarcasm:

it is an insurance company. This says 'we're a player now'. We have a 'membership' list that we will use to sell insurance. They have finally acknowledged that they don't give a rat's ass about advocacy for anyone over 55. When they supported Part 'D', I bailed.

for the republican presidential candidate, I contacted AARP and asked that they either endorse Gore or point out how bad Bush would be for seniors. They replied that they couldn't take sides. The rest is an unfortunate history.
The organization is probably like the U.S. government - a great idea in theory, but because it's run by assholes, it's doomed.

will lose members because of this

if someone asked the members, they would learn the members are shocked and appalled.

1-888-OUR-AARP

http://twitter.com/#!/AARP


AARP spokeswoman: "Stay tuned--our position has not changed on Social Security."

We remain committed to #protectseniors against harmful cuts to #SocialSecurity. Stay tuned...we're fighting for you.

The AARP, a powerful nonprofit organization that fights for the rights of individuals over the age of 50, appeared to be easing its longstanding opposition to cuts to Social Security benefits in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, then the group backed away from those comments.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/aarp-denies-social-security-cuts/story?id=13859214

and TIME calls it:

"Victory! The Grey Goliath Gives Way on Social Security"


http://swampland.time.com/2011/06/17/victory-the-grey-goliath-gives-way-on-social-security/#ixzz1PZ2NGnho


:puke:

From their site:

It has also been a long held position that any changes would be phased in slowly, over time, and would not affect any current or near term beneficiaries.
http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-06-2011/aarp-has-not-changed-its-position-on-social-security.html

total bullchit. Are you somekind of agent provocateur? Why would AARP suddenly change positions and cut its own throat?

the same number to see what others could find, not to be some kind of "troublemaker" as you imply

The person you spoke with gave you a differnt reply.

Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Jounal both reported the story this morning.

ABC news indicated that AARP is now backing away from what they originally said

You tell me what the real story is, I didn't make this garbage up from thin air?

Did you ever think that maybe they backtracked because of all the calls they were getting?

get organized fast.

aggressive. We put the fear of God into the corporatists and banksters, you would suddenly see a retrenchment. Unfortunately, I believe Obama is on their team. Why can't we primary Obama? We could run Skinner? We have enough people to make it happen and enough educated people to talk to the masses.

Weasels.

.. the AARP saying they were "open" to certain changes and then backing off - because SS is a THIRD RAIL for them too and if they don't watch it they will lose 25% of their membership over this nonsense.

I am done with them.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/17/aarp-social-security_n_878966.html

AARP Willing To Negotiate On Retirement Age


AARP legislative policy director David Certner said on CNN Friday that "there was some miscommunication with the Wall Street Journal story."

But then Certner acknowledged that AARP believes the program needs to be changed.

"Everybody knows we need to look at a package of different changes to Social Security to make it strong for the long term," he said. "The reality is, we have more people older and who are living longer, so we need to make changes. Everybody recognizes that. And we're certainly willing to talk about a package of changes that will keep Social Security strong."

He suggested raising the age at which retirees can receive full benefits -- currently, 66 years old -- would be on the table even though doing so represents "a massive benefit cut for people."

at least we know what super rich people will NOT keep getting checks...Mean testing is here to stay.

..involved in the fabrication of the alternative reality. There's a big surprise. :grr:

Going through life drunk for power, stupid for power, and fat from power is no way....

influence over seniors for an un-elected body.

All it took was a few million in bribes from the Koch Kriminal petty cash fund. One of the Fat Cat psychopaths on the right probably had one of his slaves search one of his sofas to find the cash.

a flying leap at the moon. They probably see it as an opportunity to sell another product. AARP could care less about Seniors...but Seniors' money that's another story.

Screw AARP

At least it feels that way.

They figure they stand to make money on this.

Plenty of money to bomb other countries, send troops to Afghanistan and Iraq to say nothing of Colombia and other parts foreign, but no money for seniors.

What kind of country have we become?

A country in which the rich thrive and dominate and the poor die in misery. And if you think I am exaggerating, check out the homeless shelters in Los Angeles.

seniors into believing what is very bad for them is very good for them. Just remember part D the poison pill to destroy medicare and AARP's heavy hand in that flim flam that has put medicare in jeopardy.

AARP was for Little boot's big pharma give away. I remember, there were people on the board who were going to drop AARP because of standing with * on the pharma giveaway, that has cost seniors millions, while adding to the deficit. I believe that bill also dropped medicare from arbitrating with drug companies for better prices and disallowing people buying meds from other countries.

They are not true advocates for seniors. AARP Foundation operates as a non-profit, but AARP Services Inc. does not.

In 2008 AARP Services received $652,000,000 in royalties from insurance companies, PLUS $120,000,000 in advertising. And to think that millions of individuals pay "dues" to be members of this organization. When was the last time you actually paid to be on a marketer's mailing list? What a scam!

to cut SS... we have already seen some DUers parroting the right wing here.

"The decision, which AARP hasn't discussed publicly"

Sorry, I won't believe it until it is DISCUSSED PUBLICALLY by the AARP. Give me a break

more than an insurance company. They had another choice: raise the damn cap.

this is the way they feel then we dont need (c)aarp at the table. f-ing sellouts

The first time I quit was over Medicare part D. Then they partially redeemed themselves.. Now they are back in the crapper.

will have to check other ins co.

and Americans will have a voice at the table! After all, the perfect is the enemy of the good!

It is an insurance marketing group that targets seniors. It is not run by or for seniors. It is run by corporations.

associated with seniors.

story. They are about to lose their members by the thousands. That person answering the phone was handed a script to read.

she is a personal liar, but that the company had lied to her. I then asked for her supervisor and told her that she would be losing members by the 10s of thousands.

a great job. They can expect a call from me. I suspect I won't be able to get through.

when they changed their position to support no negotiation by large patient pools to lower the cost of medicine.

Since that time, I have torn up every piece of mail that AARP sends. They're frauds who pretend to advocate for the rights and benefits of retired people.

They were used as a cover for pretend democrats. Watch the fake demos start citing the AARP endorsement of privatising Medicare.

They're willing to raise the retirement age but go along with a program that will not allow negotiating drug prices or reimportation. They have a conflict of interest on the level of Clarence Thomas.

Is there no end to this crap?
This is what DLC and blue-dog appeasement of the rethugs for the last 30 years has got us.
I'm guessing that when i 'retire' in the next 25 years or so there will be no SS to speak of.
Assholes.

in any way.

We need to start a retirement association that supports increasing social security benefits.

No reduction of benefits or increase in the retirement age acceptable.

House Republicans seek IRS probe of AARP - March 30, 2011

http://www.keprtv.com/news/national/118934774.html

the AARP has defeated their purpose.

they've been sending me crap for the past 5 years and i have no intention of joining! EVER!

The USPS can be pretty nasty if they find out about that. Make sure you don't leave fingerprints on those envelopes.

:eyes:

stuff. Gotta say, if the USPS is spending time investing empty post paid envelopes and taking fingerprints then maybe the deserve to go out of business.

Just asking.

I joined recently. I am done with them.

employed completely by the insurance industry. The blowback on this should be as loud and long as possible so everyone knows they do not speak for seniors, but are just another corrupt bunch of corporate shills.

Then there was a HUGE RW backlash as RWers started a movement to dump AARP for that alternative who's name I forget but Fred Thompson is their spokesperson. This is no doubt a move on their part to regain membership because remember, in America its profits over humanity.

:eyes:

AARP Has Not Changed Its Position on Social Security
Reaffirms that program must be strengthened to maintain critical benefits

from: Press Center | June 17, 2011



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 17, 2011
Contact: Media Relations
(202) 434-2560


AARP Has Not Changed Its Position on Social Security

Reaffirms that program must be strengthened to maintain critical benefits

WASHINGTON – AARP CEO A. Barry Rand offered the following statement in response to inaccurate media stories on the association’s policy on Social Security:

“Let me be clear – AARP is as committed as we’ve ever been to fighting to protect Social Security for today’s seniors and strengthening it for future generations. Contrary to the misleading characterization in a recent media story, AARP has not changed its position on Social Security.

the rest:
http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-06-2011/aarp-has-not-changed-its-position-on-social-security.html

but that's the thing with WSJ they require registration for some of its new articles and older ones

as for this story i think it's pretty disappointing for a group otherwise seen as left-wing, but i've seen other posts here suggesting that AARP is criticizing this story.

By E-mail
member@aarp.org



By Postal Mail

AARP
601 E Street, NW
Washington DC 20049



By Phone

Toll-Free Nationwide: 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)
Toll-Free TTY: 877-434-7598
Toll-Free Spanish: 877-MAS-DE50 (877-627-3350)
International Calls: +1-202-434-3525

The AARP is funded and controlled by the same families and multi-nationals who control the White House and congress. Does this come as any surprise to anyone? It should not. Social Security is not in financial trouble and any future shortfalls can be corrected by raising the cap. Their handlers have "spoken to them" and they have dutifully obeyed. The board of the AARP are all wealthy and will not depend on SS in their retirement, so why are they even a part of this discussion. QUIT YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO THIS WALL STREET FRONT GROUP.

:grr:

do whatever I have to and am not afraid to get real nasty. We need a Boomer Room.

We're getting screwed by the politicians, too. Let's make it a "Stop screwing retirees" room, instead. We're all in this together.

(I'm glad this "news" story was BS, but that doesn't mean Social Security is safe yet, thanks to the GOP and its Democratic enablers.) :mad:

but I seem to have alot of the same views you all do.

passive responses. I'm not suggesting someone has to self--immolate but the day of firm, friendly emails and faxes to congress-dopes is over. We need a group of a few million patriots with concrete spikes and wedges to march on the House and start removing the stones. That would be a good start.

it goes straight to the shredder.

Now I am.

Bless her heart, she had a script to read to angry people who are calling in to complain about AARP's current position on Social Security. Said script contained the claim that AARP was committed to benefits, that media reports are misleading, etc.

What I said to her is that the very report itself negotiates away bargaining power for ordinary workers. As long as anchors and headlines are screaming that AARP's open to cuts, that moves the goalposts, to mix a few metaphors.

I think it would be in their best interest to spell it out VERY clearing, and not use words like "misleading" which has different connotations

Just like the Republicans are saying Ryan's plan for medicare is "misleading".

bullshit. AARP is not changing their position on cutting Social Security. The lady said she has had a mountain of phone calls so far. She said AARP to do this would be like "cutting its own throat". This is more Breitbart kind of bullshit. We need to take this dude down. Yes, Weiner was culpable, but it would have all pass without a Republican nose sniffing. We need a retraction printed in the Journal right now!

and they hammer away at Seniors, telling them their PRODUCTS are the only inexpensive way to go...

They are the worst of the worst, pretending to care.

Tikki

http://fdrdemocrats.org/the-common-sense-guide-to-social-security/6/">9. Hasn’t President Obama pledged to fight against Social Security cuts?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x931203">Social Security: the little secret that's fooling even most DUers.

And working America loses again.

Obama's pick of Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson was no accident. The truth is, Obama is in favor of cutting social security. Fact.

Call to "Cut Waste instead of Social Security or Medicare". What was missing was ANY mention of the obvious big elephant - rolling back the Bush tax cuts for the rich or cutting back on war spending. It's easy to site a couple of small research projects that might sound a little silly and save a few thousand dollars here and there. But the truth is, even if we cut ALL scientific research (Hey AARP, that includes things like Alzheimer research), and it would have virtually no impact on the deficit. Raising taxes on the top is the ONLY alternative to cutting Social Security and Medicare. Both parties and the media know it, but benefit cuts are apparently the only thing they are willing to discuss and the only thing on the table.

We NEVER hear anyone suggest that just maybe outspending the entire world on our military is not a particularly good idea when we have fiscal issues. Same with tax cuts for millionaires. Nearly everyone, including many Democrats, are pretending that "trickle down" is a viable economic philosophy. It is beyond amazing.

Contact Us

My message will be: I had my membership application for AARP on my desk. I am shredding it in anger after hearing you plan to support privatizing/destroying/cutting Social Security. I publish a news site with 3 million hits a month. I will be writing an editorial urging my readers to all drop membership in AARP because it's obvious you are NOT representing interests of seniors!


By E-mail
member@aarp.org


By Postal Mail

AARP
601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20049



By Phone

Toll-Free Nationwide: 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)
Toll-Free TTY: 877-434-7589
Toll-Free Spanish: 877-MAS-DE50 (1-877-627-3350)
International Calls: +1-202-243-3525

They wanted in on that money. If these sleazy bastards cared at all about seniors (or the country) they would never have helped put that mish-mash together that has bankrupted seniors and reaped billions in insurance profits.


They are an insurance company and will always give cover to pretend Democrats.

All I ever got from them was insurance information, propaganda and no other benefit.
AAA offers better travel discounts but I doubt I will travel again. AARP offered me nothing I could use for the brazillion years I was a member.

The last time AARP sold out Seniors (during bush administration) we wrote
across one of their mailer: Do Not Send Us Anymore Mail Because We Would
Never Be A Part Of An Organization That Would Sell Out Seniors.
We put the mailer inside a stamped envelope and sent it to the headquarter's address.

We have never received any mail since. Today, we received an e-mail from
them for the first time. Interesting. :shrug:


The Tikkis

but never about lifting the cap on withholding, which would solve the SS shortfall for decades, if not forever.

F*ck the AARP.

the Neocons would STILL ATTEMPT to rewrite it & claim Social Security is 'not going to be there for you'; we just need to realize it & make sure everyone else also knows how full of lies the Rightwing is.


PS. WHERE ARE THE jobs!

i just throw their crap away when it comes.

Screw them.

and was told that their position has been misrepresented. The fellow I spoke with says they will be coming out with an official statement indicating their resistance to cutting benefits and support for removing the cap on the income at which social security tax stops being removed.

If that happens my wife and I will renew our subscription. A 35 million person lobbying force has some clout.

If they don't issue a statement to that effect then screw them.

.. that's when I cancelled my membership. Wrote numerous letters to the Repukes at AARP.. never got an answer.

Saying they're against cutting benefits for "today's seniors." In other words, they're just fine with cutting benefits for tomorrow's seniors.

Screw 'em.

I am DONE with them. Completely done. The GOP has infiltrated AARP.

like some other progressive groups in the recent past...