Time to switch teams: from the AARP to the ARA

[gristy]

ARA = Alliance for Retired Americans http://www.retiredamericans.org/

Eric J in MN recommended them in this thread

Here's the ARA's mission statement:

The mission of the Alliance for Retired Americans is to ensure social and economic justice and full civil rights for all citizens so that they may enjoy lives of dignity, personal and family fulfillment and security. The Alliance believes that all older and retired persons have a responsibility to strive to create a society which incorporates these goals and rights; and that retirement provides them with opportunities to pursue new and expanded activities with their unions, civic organizations, and their communities.

A primary objective of the Alliance is to enroll and mobilize retired union members and other senior and community activists into a nationwide grassroots movement advocating a progressive political and social agenda - one that respects work and strengthens families. The long-term goal of the Alliance is to become the voice for all older Americans. By engaging in important political battles to protect and preserve programs vital to the health and economic security of older Americans, the Alliance will gain recognition as the country?s leading progressive grassroots senior organization.

In pursuit of these values, the Alliance will:

* build a strong organization of seniors with a viable structure, ample resources and clear objectives - a structure compatible with that of the labor movement and community-based groups at local, state and national levels.
* create programs and membership organizations designed to promote a commitment by retired workers and older persons to the concept of lifelong participation in their unions, and in their community, political and civic organizations.
* encourage all segments of the senior population to act with unity on legislative, political and policy issues of importance to retirees and their families in order to maximize their influence on federal, state and local governments and on private organizations that affect their interests.

[La_Serpiente]

1. They even came out against the FTAA

that is my kind of retirement organization.

[Cha]

2. I'm headed this way...I just need to find some

other auto insurance that I get through aarp from Hartford. I have to call Hartford and ask them if I have to belong to aarp to get my insurance. I thought I remembered that I did and it's relatively Cheap! :(

[IndianaGreen]

3. AARP's leadership is in the pockets of the insurance industry

and they sold out to them when they endorsed the Medicare bill.

[screembloodymurder]

4. An open letter to AARP (Belushi syle rant)

Letter to AARP Management November 22, 2003

We no longer want to have anything to do with your organization. Take us off of your roles. You do not represent us. You represent the right wing Bushites and corporate America. We put our trust in you, and you have betrayed us. We are going to tell the world about how you betrayed us. You have really made a big big miscalculation with this outrageous decision to back the Bushites on the medical bill. We realize that it is not a mistake, it is an intentionally traitorous act for the purpose of helping your big money friends. The common people of America will never trust AARP again. You have completely lost any good will that you might have had with us. You are hypocrites, and we are no longer members of your organization. Do not send us any more literature or magazines or other mailings of any kind. We mean this. You do not deserve to breath the same air with the good old people of this Country. You scumbags are slimy rats and you should be ashamed of yourselves -- and you obviously are conscience-free self-promoting rats that should be obliterated from the public scene. You should all burn in infamy and die slow and agonizing deaths from diseases for which you cannot get any medicine. Only then would justice be served.

Die young, you low low excuses for human beings. You are vile creeping things -- lower than whale feces, and much more disgusting.

May your children abandon you in your old age the way that you have abandoned us.

With worst possible regards, and greatest disrespect,

[gristy]

6. now THAT's a LETTER!

Man. Great job! :7

[eleny]

10. I'm impressed...

You sure did scream bloody murder at them.

I'm also glad to learn about the ARA and will look into it some more.

[roguevalley]

5. I joined. Nice to be with smart people who remember what it is to

work hard and earn what you make. Nothing like
hanging with retired people, especially union
folks.

RV, a retired union person ;)

[childslibrarian]

7. I'm so glad you wrote that letter

expresses my sentiments exactly

[gristy]

8. I sent out an email to some friends and some friends of my folks

It looked pretty much like the post I started this thread with. One of my Dad's friends has replied already to say he just now resigned. I asked him what the process of resigning entails. Will post if I get the info.

[mlawson]

9. I certainly do not recommend the AARP supplemental insurance.

My mother was on that, to a tune of $130 a month. But they do not pay, if Medicare does not pay!! That is their rule. And if you have ever had to take care of an elderly person, you KNOW that Medicare's payments are almost random.

If you want this AARP insurance to work, you must buy the package with the highest premium. Good luck. The lower priced packages are virtually worthless.

[UTUSN]

11. Commercials by ARA Against the Bill Are Airing

******QUOTE*****

http://www.retiredamericans.org
Call Your Senators 800-511-3802
www.retiredamericans.org
New TV Spots Airing Nationally—The Alliance has launched a new television campaign to educate seniors on the Medicare bill. The ad explains why seniors should urge lawmakers to vote no. Sixty-four percent of seniors oppose the bill because it would increase payments to keep their choice of doctors and hospitals or be forced to switch to an HMO, does nothing to bring down the cost of drugs and leaves seniors with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.

----------President Bush Addresses Empty Seats—Phoenix, AZ On November 13, about 30 Alliance activists showed up and outnumbered supporters at a sparsely attended event sponsored by Senior Voices for Medicare Choices, a group fronted by insurance companies. The event broadcast President Bush's November 13 remarks from Orlando urging Congress to push through a bill that would privatize Medicare.

*****UNQUOTE****

[NNN0LHI]

12. Seen one on CNN the other day. It was done real well too n/t

[UTUSN]

13. Another Option, Natl Cmte to Preserve SS & Medicare

******QUOTE*****

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=744144

http://www.ncpssm.org/

Statement by Barbara B. KENNELLY
"While we await the specifics of the Medicare conference agreement, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is deeply troubled that the proposal continues to include the seeds of Medicare privatization.

"Beginning in 2010, the agreement would expose millions of seniors to new cost and benefit uncertainties in as many as six major metropolitan areas. Since February 2003, the National Committee has collected nearly 750,000 petitions opposed to Medicare privatization. We also remain opposed to spending triggers, means-tested premiums and inadequate protections for low-income seniors contained in this agreement.

"The members and supporters of the National Committee expect Congress to enact prescription drug legislation that is available to all, affordable and provided through the Medicare program. This legislation is supposed to be about providing seniors affordable drug coverage. Unfortunately, this conference agreement not only provides insufficient prescription assistance, but it also lays the groundwork for the demise of the Medicare program."

*****UNQUOTE****