Fri Nov 28, 2014, 02:32 PM

Does America need an AARP-like organization for the middle class?

Last edited Fri Nov 28, 2014, 03:17 PM - Edit history (1)

A buddy of mine is thinking about starting the equivalent of the AARP, but representing all of the middle class, not just older Americans. Something that pulls people together to defend their economic interests (and, like the AARP, gets them discounts and whatnot). Unlike the AARP, it wouldn't make lots of money through offering insurance and drugs).

I haven't thought it through too much, but think it's an interesting idea.

My question to the good people of DU: Does this sound interesting? What could it do to get you to say "Yeah! I'd definitely sign up for that!!!"

Thanks in advance!

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14 replies	Author	Time	Post
Does America need an AARP-like organization for the middle class? (Original post)	MannyGoldstein	Nov 2014	OP
Perhaps not an AARP-style organization...	CBHagman	Nov 2014	#1
AARP is for retired people, emphasis on retired.	Cleita	Nov 2014	#2
He can be a front for a ACA provider.	Downwinder	Nov 2014	#3
Who are the people you want to exclude from the discounts?	muriel_volestrangler	Nov 2014	#4
What if it were for the 99%, instead of the middle class?	MannyGoldstein	Nov 2014	#7
That would be a lot better	muriel_volestrangler	Nov 2014	#9
NO ! I can not get those corporate fuckers at AARP	pangaia	Nov 2014	#5
We do. They're called unions.	JaneyVee	Nov 2014	#6
How about a National Workers Union instead?	MineralMan	Nov 2014	#8
+1	mmonk	Nov 2014	#13
I like it MM.	99Forever	Nov 2014	#14
Such a thing is long overdue.	pa28	Nov 2014	#10
There is a new trend which I like.	sadoldgirl	Nov 2014	#11
American Association of Ravaged People?	IDemo	Nov 2014	#12

Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 02:40 PM

CBHagman (16,739 posts)

1. Perhaps not an AARP-style organization...

...but an effective group with a workable strategy, yes. We need to capture people's attention, change the terms of the national debate, use narratives people can identify with.

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 02:41 PM

Cleita (75,480 posts)

2. AARP is for retired people, emphasis on retired.

And it's more about businesses like selling old people insurance than a lot of issues that old people face and although they make token efforts to address Social Security concerns, it's from a a fairly conservative view.

Since people of the age group you are describing are mostly still working, maybe professional guilds would be more in order that would look after the interests of those groups. I'm not talking about unions although they could be part of the system, because a lot of the working class are self-employed contractors but could use an organization looking after their interests too.

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 02:53 PM

Downwinder (12,869 posts)

3. He can be a front for a ACA provider.

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 02:57 PM

muriel_volestrangler (99,043 posts)

4. Who are the people you want to exclude from the discounts?

What's the minimum income of someone who qualifies for the discounts? How would you attempt to justify the existence of this organisation without looking like you want to be entitled to cheap stuff because you tihnk you're better than people who earn less than you?

And shouldn't you have signed this "Third-Way Manny"?

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Response to muriel_volestrangler (Reply #4)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 03:12 PM

MannyGoldstein (34,589 posts)

7. What if it were for the 99%, instead of the middle class?

I think this is his intent, although he keeps saying "middle class".

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Reply #7)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 03:32 PM

muriel_volestrangler (99,043 posts)

9. That would be a lot better

though I'd wonder what discounts you think you could get for 99% of the population. Unless you want to start a competitor to Groupon.

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 03:00 PM

pangaia (24,324 posts)

5. NO ! I can not get those corporate fuckers at AARP

to stop sending me junk mail,, constantly, incessantly !! Every few days more crap....

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 03:00 PM

JaneyVee (19,877 posts)

6. We do. They're called unions.

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 03:24 PM

MineralMan (144,947 posts)

8. How about a National Workers Union instead?

A union everyone who works can join. Solidarity nationwide across all industries and job classifications. If enough people joined, there would finally be a way to bring a national work action or boycott to bear on corporations.

I don't know, but I think that's the best approach. The AARP model, I think, would not attract enough people, frankly.

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Response to MineralMan (Reply #8)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 06:16 PM

mmonk (52,589 posts)

13. +1

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Response to MineralMan (Reply #8)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 06:22 PM

99Forever (14,524 posts)

14. I like it MM.

Calls for reforms from a national organization with the membership to back it up through action. I personally think a National General Strike is about the only peaceful means left to affect a change in the course we are headed. Hit the bastards where it hurts, in their swollen bank accounts, and don't let up.

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 04:16 PM

pa28 (6,145 posts)

10. Such a thing is long overdue.

The AARP and the NRA also lobby extensively. A group like this could do the same and mobilize it's members when relevant issues such as tax and trade policy are being made in Washington.

The 99% get quietly and inevitably screwed during these times with nobody at the table to represent them. This could help change the way business is done.

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 04:49 PM

sadoldgirl (3,431 posts)

11. There is a new trend which I like.

It is proposed for instance in my neighborhood. So what about coops?

Everybody can help start it and then can get some discounts as well as

a bit of a say.

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Response to MannyGoldstein (Original post)

Fri Nov 28, 2014, 06:11 PM

IDemo (16,926 posts)

12. American Association of Ravaged People?

Works for me.

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