AARP Wages Ad Blitz to Back Medicare Plan

[Freddie Stubbs]

WASHINGTON - The AARP is leaving a $7 million imprint on prescription drug legislation in an advertising campaign that delights Republicans who crafted the bill and dismays Democrats who oppose it.

The group's backing is "the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval when it comes to seniors' issues," House Speaker Dennis Hastert said Monday as the 35 million-member AARP announced its support, then backed it up with plans to air commercials.

John Rother, policy director at AARP, said the organization would spend $7 million over three days beginning Wednesday, including nationwide cable television advertising and commercials aired on stations in selected portions of the country. He said the advertising campaign would continue if the bill hadn't been brought to a vote by Friday.

Other seniors organizations have announced their opposition to the measure, including the National Committee to Preserve Social Security (news - web sites), the Alliance for retired Americans and Families USA.

more: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=512&u=/ap/medicare_aarp&printer=1

[meg]

1. Join me in canceling my AARP membership

There will be two cancelations at our house!

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. Is there any Senior organization that can pick up the memberships

and the mantle of representing Seniors against corporate interest?

[UpInArms]

8. here's their web address for membership

http://www.aarp.org/contactaarp/Articles/a2003-01-22-contact-membershipform.html

and a suggested response:


Please cancel my membership immediately, and refund the money due me. I will have no part of an organization that conspires with the Republican Party to make prescription drugs even more expensive for seniors.


I intend to work as hard as I can among people my age to refuse to join the AARP or to cancel their membership, if they are already members

[Bridget Burke]

10. I followed the link & checked out their message boards.

Apparently the members are not happy.

AARP has been wanting me to join since I became eligible. I'm glad I didn't.

[shirlden]

11. Bridget, please

call and tell them that you will now NEVER join AARP. That you are furious over this back stabbing endorsement. CAll 1 800 424 3410 or go to aarp.org and get the number of your state or local chapter. We have to force them to rescind this endorsement. Think what a statement that would make.....it would kill this bill.

:argh:

[Mel]

33. I'm on hold now

going to give them a piece of my mind! I'm sure the AARP is getting a lot of angry calls as they should!

[CheshireCat]

57. I had decided to join after many invitations

and had made out my check for dues but had not mailed it.

I just emailed them that I would never join and would encourage my mother and other friends to either not join or to rescind their membership. AARP's support of this bill signals that they have SOLD OUT!!

[ninkasi]

32. I checked out the Alliance for Retired Americans

at their website a few minutes ago, and am going to join them. I've already cancelled my AARP membership, and explained why. The Alliance for Retired Americans seems much, much more in tune with the way we DU'ers feel, anyway.

For those who are fed up with AARP, I suggest you check for yourselves; now I'm going to call AARP to tell them that they are driving members to a friendlier organization.

Edited to add link

http://www.retiredamericans.org/members/services.htm

[Mel]

38. thank you for the link

the Alliance for Retired Americans does seem more in tune with my ideals.

I just got off the phone with AARP. I told them I was going to buy my Mother in law a membership for Christmas but I won't be doing so nor will I for myself after their supporting this Republican corporate give away!

Wouldn't you hate to be the persons answering the phones there today? I tried to be nice to the lady and made it clear my anger was not directed at her but at the AARP.

[ninkasi]

39. You're welcome!

Maybe AARP needs to hear from us not only that we are cancelling, but are joining another organization. I'm sure there are others, besides the one I suggested. It's worth checking out what's available, instead of letting AARP have our support by default, just because we are unfamiliar with the others.

I'm ashamed of myself, because I've been lazy; I should never have assumed that just because they were big, AARP would have senior's best interests at heart. I'm taking a long, hard long at any future donations to any organization from now on before I give money, since like so many, the Bush years have reduced my income greatly.

[madfloridian]

59. They seem like a good group. I called them earlier today.

After I cancelled with AARP, I called them. They were starting to get calls then, about 10 this morning.

Very impressive group. Very nice.

[young_at_heart]

35. I cancelled yesterday

and told them I was disgusted.......evidently they have been taken over (like so many other organizations) by the GOP.

[jukes]

42. jukes just

quit AARP. TX+ for the link!

[Bandit]

44. Thanks for the link ~ Just cancelled my membership

I've been a member since 1996 but no longer see any need to provide support for a group actively working against my interests.

[obietiger]

18. and two more

at my house

[Upfront]

2. Cancel

Your AARP membership. I canceled mine today. They are now just another insurance co. and a arm of the Republican party.

[Mari333]

4. Thats it!! Im outta AARP NOW

f*ck em , and Im calling them today to say so.

[DancingBear]

5. Two more AARP cancellations at this house - effective today n/t

[cthrumatrix]

6. AARP is just a "business front" for special interests....who

gives them the most $$$$ they are in favor of...I guess they got thier price tag...and seniors will get thier price tag when medicare goes "bye-bye".

[Chef]

7. AARP

Though "eligible", I have never joined. My wife used to work for them, but found them to be basically an insurance company and only secondarily an advocate for the elderly. The $12 billion slush fund would explain how they were so quick to sign on to this "not perfect" legislation. I will write them and explain why they will never get a dime of my money.

[jmcgowanjm]

14. Sounds just like the Farm Bureau to me n/t

[54anickel]

9. Very sad, Shrub is making such sweeping changes, taking this

country back 60 -70 years. Medicare privatization, SS privatization. Seems to cater only to corporations, insurance, drug, and now Wall Street.

There were some good discussion threads on these lastnight.

Someone posted a link to another retired group in this one, can't remember the exact name, Alliance for Retired?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=224383#224662

You may also want to check out what others are saying in AARPs discussion board. Many are very upset.

http://community.aarp.org/rp-legislative/start

[cthrumatrix]

12. this is why the govt. like to keep the "sheeple" uninformed...

an informed populous would lynch these corrupt politicians.

I know medicare is in trouble and could go belly-up in years. This is the reason why you don't sedn $87B to Iraq.

You support our social systems ...instead of privatizing and "selling out" your national medical system.

[Racenut20]

13. Was just about to join. Good thing we old people are slow.

[dennis4868]

19. no you are not slower....

it's just that everything is now moving faster than before...that's what I believe anyway :-)

[Buckminster Fush]

20. ^^^^ Very funny

You old people :) Thanks for being slow and not signing up! You might be slow but your wit is still kickin :)

[Don_G]

15. The President Of The AARP Was Consulted Beforehand

And being a Rethuglican, naturally gave his approval for the Medicare Bill.

[DUreader]

17. Gave his approval, and filmed the Ads which air Tommorrow

wtf

[Freddie Stubbs]

30. I had no idea he was a Republican. Do you have a source for that?

[papau]

31. AARP's CEO's GOP registration already in a few web articles

I brought it up doing google research last night - but I was not looking for it and do not remember the link.

Good luck on finding a link!

:-)

[Freddie Stubbs]

41. No confirmation found on Google search

I did find that he is the fromer President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids:

http://www.hillnews.com/news/032603/ssl_list.aspx

Not what one would think of as a right-wing background.

[54anickel]

43. Here's an interesting quote of Novelli's

http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/college/social_marketing.html

Question: Can you give an example of social marketing that you've done that could have worked in private and/or in public?

...Most private corporations don't go after social change for social change alone. They usually have a profit motivation. If we can integrate the mission of the social movement with the nature of a client's product, we have a much better chance of success. Remember that the commercial client always has a focus on the bottom-line. For example, if you wanted to do a campaign with Reebok as a partner, you understand that Reebok ultimately wants to sell shoes, but this can be integrated into a broader, health related social program.

Recently there has been an increase of public and private partnerships...The public is more likely to support companies concerned with health and social issues. For companies to work with non-for-profit organizations is good because they can tap into their corporate marketing expertise (on a particular issue). Big integrated programs have a good chance of success. For example, Denny's was involved with Save the Children. Their partnership helped them overcome the corporate image problems they faced and they've been able to raise money for Save the Children. Having partnerships is a good way to think .

[Freddie Stubbs]

54. Doesn't sound nefarious at all

It is a good thing get companies to support charitable causes.

[54anickel]

58. I just get suspicious of the motive at times. Sometimes one need to

look behind the curtain.

Does anyone think that the sweeping changes he want to see in this previous letter to Congress have all been addressed?

http://www.thoushalthonor.org/news/med_novelli.html

[DUreader]

16. They Had These Ads READY TO AIR, LIARS!!!

They must have decided some time ago to back this bill.

They already had the commercials

[shirlden]

21. Please keep kicking

And remember, if you are not a member call and tell them you will NEVER be member of the American Association of Republican Pleasers.

1-800-424 3410

:argh:

Pick up that phone now

:argh:

[Mountainman]

24. There is a wait so there must be a number of people calling

They tell you to press 1 if you are calling about medicare legislation and while you are waiting they tell you that you can go to there web site to join or to renew your membership.

[Ruby Romaine]

22. Me too!

2 more cancellations!

[0007]

23. Talk about pulling the wool over us folks....

AARP did a number on us, and the outrage is being heard. But will it do any good?

[54anickel]

25. If it is a big enough exodus from their roles, it will have an effect

AARP used to be the voice of retired citizens. How can they possibly state that now! They did not even give their members a chance to respond.
I think they have become the voice of the folks who need Medicare/Medicaid the least. The ones who can afford and will gladly purchase insurance from AARP.
AARP is no longer an activist group, but an insurance company.

[Don_G]

56. I Agree

And just issued a $7 Million Policy to cover their ass!

[0007]

26. Please write your senator and congress!

Also let AARP know how ya feel. We've been had by AARP let 'em know.

I'm so upset I couldn't sleep last night.

AARP is only for the FAT CAT
AARP lies
AARP is two faced

[0007]

28. Here is a link to the message board at AARP.........

and links to people we should respond too.



http://search.aarp.org/cgi-bin/htsearch?config=htdig_www_aarp_org&restrict=&exclude=research.aarp.org+www.aarpmagazine.org+www.faar.org&words=message+board&x=0&y=0

Please go to this site!

[obietiger]

48. Can we check out these people?

and find out how many of them approved the Medicare/Rx Bill and provide their financial and political ties to that bill.

[0007]

50. All I can say is google 'em and find out,

My educated guess would be that they all played follow-the leader.

I'm sure if you were to google 'em, that by the end of the day you'd have a rather thick file. All pertaining to self-interest and ties to the GOP, and maybe even the Carlyle Group or Halliburton or Enron.

[0007]

52. Here is a toll free number to call Bill Novelli - [phone]

'Tis free!

[Old and In the Way]

27. Seniors are pissed.

Another "special interest" group that these criminals in Congress are screwing.

The AARP message board is lighting up with people who are canceling their membership. I'm glad I shitcanned my application.

[0007]

37. Medicare & Social Security CEO for AARP

CEO Bill Novelli responds to trustee report, saying more can be done to improve these programs'

[PROGRESSIVE1]

29. Don't Join the AARP...

My aunt never cared for them and this shows why. She told me to NEVER EVER join them!

:puke: AARP

[moondust]

34. Canceling.

AARP has sided with the predators and they of all people should know better.

[bluedog]

36. I didn't know that John Rother was a Repub

Whats upsetting is AARP, is pushing for the republican bill, They now think that they have the SEAL OF APPROVAL to do what they want, with AARPs backing.

Of course AARP s Policy director, John Rother is a stauntch republican and is leading AARP members right off the cliff, with his misinformation.

What a snow job by AARP. Anyone having a membership with them should immediately cancel..
My spouse and I were going to join..now thats out of the question.....I will not let my money be used to support anything to do with the GOP party

[54anickel]

40. If you were thinking about joining, you should call and let them know

that they lost another prospect. I think they need to know how this effects not just their current, but also future memberships.

[tokenlib]

45. For $10 a year you can join NCPSSM

Since the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare appreciates the historical rationale for those programs--they deserve our support. I'm not a senior--but in my mid forties now--and I'm really scared of what the GOP dictatorship is up to. I can't afford to join or contribute to very many of the worthy groups that I appreciate. But this is looking like a battle for the very "existance" of these programs--so I think it's time to send the check.

It's going to take a lot of energy and money to combat the GOP and corporate media to point out that this is NOT just political rhetoric;
our fears are quickly becoming reality.

http://www.ncpssm.org

[many a good man]

46. GET A GRIP, PEOPLE !!!

Something is better than nothing. It can always be fixed later. AARP is opposed to the same things in the bill that you are. And they plan to let everyone know about it.

AARP is a non-partisan organization. Most of their employees are liberals who find it hard to seem non-partisan because its membership reflects the nation. Remember, two million members resigned following their support for Clinton's health plan. They have consistently opposed Republican plans for gutting the health care system in this country.

AARP is not an insurance company. It is a non-profit organization that generates its revenue by screening corporations who want to pitch to its membership rolls. The revenue gets plowed back into advocacy and senior services.

The GOP made a number of significant concessions to get AARP's approval. The privatization piece was downsized to oblivion -- a small test program only in 2010. Here's more from their press announcement:

AARP is pleased by the improvements made to the conference report in recent days. A new structure called “premium support” which required competition between traditional Medicare and private plans was downsized to a limited test starting in 2010, which has significant protections for those in traditional Medicare. The government will provide coverage in areas where private plans fail to offer coverage. The integrity of Medicare will be protected.

An unprecedented $88 billion will encourage employers to maintain existing health retiree benefits. The legislation will help speed generic drugs to market and add important new preventive and chronic care management services. Finally, this legislation protects poor seniors from future soaring prescription drug costs.


I won't quit my membership but I'll sure as hell make sure they stick to their guns and hammer away till congress gets this bill right. Don't oppose this because it appears to be a partisan victory for the GOP. There's a clear distinction between what it is and what it should be that there will be ample room to clobber Bush in the campaign next year.

[DancingBear]

49. "Something is better than nothing"

Where have I heard this before?

Oh yes, partial birth abortion legislation.

[sendero]

53. you clearly...

... do not understand the implications of this legislation.

No, the beginning of the end of medicare is NOT better than nothing. Get a clue.

[madfloridian]

62. No, they should not have to pay companies to keep me on......

when I am already paying. Let's see, 88 million to encourage insurance companies not to drop us?

That is just so ridiculous. No, in this case the something is a whole lot worse than nothing.

[DancingBear]

47. 1-800-424-3410

Call them !!!

Even though I cancelled this moring via the Web, I did so again via phone to make sure. Got right through to an customer service rep who took all my info, then asked why I was cancelling. I think she's heard my response a few times today already!

BTW, I am getting an $8.26 refund - make sure you make them pay!

[Gin]

51. this bill is a windfall for the HMO's and drug companies....the changes

will be to privatize medicare..and cause its demise..thats the ulterior motive...and the beginning of priviatizing social security.

I cancelled my membership...I called to protest them being used as the backdrop for shrub in Florida and was told "we are a non politcal organization" They have brainwashed the volunteers.

[KayLaw]

55. Some Repub Senators Worried

I just saw this at Buzzflash along with another link I haven't opened yet that says cancer drug payments will decrease with this bill.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031114/ap_on_go_co/medicare_congress

[madfloridian]

60. Cancer drug payments are being cut by the Medicare committee.

It is already being done. I think it is the one Tom Scully is head of....you know the Scully who said he does not have to share info with Democrats.

That is already being done. The lawmakers can undo it, I think.

[many a good man]

61. More proof privatization won't stand...

Even Republicans are against it! It'll be a piece of cake to shoot down this part of the bill after its passed and before "premium" takes effect in 2010. By then Prescription coverage will be an entitlement.

Everyone knows its much harder to establish a new entitlement than it is to take one away.

Supporting this bill, with strong reservations, is practical politics. Dems can't be seen as the ones denying prescription coverage. Better a bad bill we can fix than never one at all.

By the way, it is this type of practicality the drives Dean's health care plan. Single payer has no chance in hell of passing so instead you expand the Medicare entitlement. After that its a shorter step to getting the health care system we REALLY want.

[Stefkaskid]

63. Medicare Rx joke

Just got back from the AARP sponsored NH Dem Candidate Forum where all six lambasted AARP for endorsing the bill. Best part of it all was that the 800 odd invited members booed the AARP President James Parkel when he was introduced!

[Unknown Known]

64. This is the mutual fund mess in spades

The "little people" get nothing, as usual - no say, no benefits, no nothing.

Is there a conservative on the face of the earth that is not corrupt?

[gasperc]

65. this will set off a wave of member cancelations!!!

the republican heading the AARP is doing what he set to do destroy the AARP as a political but not before destroying medicare and social security