Does AARP Speak for Me?

The American Association of Retired Persons has placed their organization squarely behind the national health care plan being pushed by the Administration and the Democrats. Even though they reduced the membership age minimum to age 50 some time ago, they still walk, talk, and act as if AARP has the mandate (i.e. mindless support) of the retirees of the United States and speak for a membership of 50,000,000. What would be the benefits of such a claim? As a lobbying organization they certainly get the attention of any legislator and unless refuted, they will maintain to all who will listen that they are the VOICE of the retired American population! Even to their own dues-paying members, this role is promoted. Doesn't it seem odd that a major reason for the growth in the numbers of the AARP membership and the assumed strength this implies is the healthcare and excellent treatment provided to its members under the current system?

It would be a real American success story if the Management (Don't kid yourself, they're not all volunteers!) can transform this little association originally formed years ago to sell insurance to old people into a major servicing organization of the Prescription Drug program or maybe a claims-paying behemoth by supporting the Single Payer plan being promoted by Obama. We can only guess the size of fees that might be generated from such an arrangement. Opportunities are great if you back the right horse even when wearing a phony jersey!