Good article. I am an "elder" also that does NOT want AARP as an advocate.
Comparing Paychecks: Workers and Retirees - Registered Investment Advisor
Comparing Paychecks: Workers and Retirees - Registered Investment Advisor
The thing is -- to some degree AARP *does* advance what they think is the "senior agenda," but they forget that some seniors are more concerned with not ruining the financial future of their kids and grandkids than they are with getting a few more debt-fueled goodies that they don't *need*.
Well said, and I agree with the article, we have to balance the needs of everyone. I have been telling the AARP to stick it for 5 years, and expect to continue for another 30 years or so. I have told them repeatedly to take me off their mailing lists, they always agree to do so, but they never do...One of the biggest problems we have today is the prevalence of focused agenda political groups which myopically support something without a concern for larger perspective. There are as many "senior agendas" as there are seniors.
True -- but to AARP there is basically one senior agenda -- I don't care how much you have to raise taxes on working stiffs or bury our grandkids in more debt -- keep the goodies coming and make everyone else sacrifice.One of the biggest problems we have today is the prevalence of focused agenda political groups which myopically support something without a concern for larger perspective. There are as many "senior agendas" as there are seniors.
The only effective US politics is single issue politics.
The best strategy is to figure out what group you belong in, and support it. The gun lobby figured that out, the gay/lesbian/ transgender group figured it out, the women's movement and NOW figured it out, and the religious right figured it out. Do you want to be in the the only group that doesn't understand?
It's a mistake to confuse poitics with philosophy or emotionally driven identity; it is just the organized application of influence.
Ha
True -- but to AARP there is basically one senior agenda -- I don't care how much you have to raise taxes on working stiffs or bury our grandkids in more debt -- keep the goodies coming and make everyone else sacrifice.
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Do you have some backup for that?
The first part of it is not stated, of course, but is a natural and unavoidable consequence of the last part.
First things first, the proposed $250 vote-buying scheme needs to be scrapped. I and many others didn't get a raise this year -- many w*rking stiffs actually got a pay CUT -- and our share of health insurance premiums are rising even more than Medicare's. No one ever talks about giving us anything, because no one kisses our butts as a voting bloc.Which senior benefits are you advocating be cut back? Which "goodies," as you put it, need to be tossed out? Less SS through means testing, eliminating COLA's or raising the qualifying age? Higher Medicare premiums? Elimination of tax benefits directed at seniors? Elimination of govt insurance for private pensions? Elimination of age discrimination laws?
AARP does a wonderful job in marketing itself. They have little regard for their "members." I wonder what kind of coin those AARP execs are pulling down?
OK. But isn't that more of a move by a political party than AARP? Sure they're for it. Given their agenda, why wouldn't they be? AARP being against the $250 handout would be like a teacher's union being against Congress providing more money for education.First things first, the proposed $250 vote-buying scheme needs to be scrapped.
So is your position one of being against all special interest groups as opposed to just AARP?Beyond that, I don't advocate any *specific* area to cut -- but overall the sacrifice in terms of cutting benefits, cutting services and raising taxes should be shared by all to the extent reasonably possible.
Don't know about the newsletter, but AAA gives you discounts without pimping the govt for free handouts, and yes, the $250 is a free handout, you didn't earn it, you're being bought, like a slave, so that you'll support the DCThe AARP newsletter gave me a clear explanation of the healthcare debate without the spin and distortions that are out there. That plus the 10% discount I get from hotels gets me to keep my dues current.
....AAA gives you discounts ....
Don't know about the newsletter, but AAA gives you discounts without pimping the govt for free handouts, and yes, the $250 is a free handout, you didn't earn it, you're being bought, like a slave, so that you'll support the DC
politicians.
TJ
Don't know about the newsletter, but AAA gives you discounts without pimping the govt for free handouts, and yes, the $250 is a free handout, you didn't earn it, you're being bought, like a slave, so that you'll support the DC
politicians.
TJ