The Blue Flower
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 04:53 PM
Original message |
Filed formal complaint against AARP with AG |
|
I have just filed an online complaint against AARP with my state Attorney General's office. This is the body of the complaint:
AARP has positioned itself as an advocate for seniors. In fact, on the floor of the US House of Representatives today it was described as the group that speaks for all senior Americans by Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH). My membership booklet (of 2001) says, "Among AARP's priorities are: the protection of Medicare and Medicaid." It also states, "AARP works on a nonpartisan basis..." In fact, it has been revealed this week that the President of AARP, William Novelli, has publicly supported former Congressman Newt Gingrich's call for Medicare to "wither on the vine." To promote public support of the current Republican Medicare bill before Congress, AARP has spent millions of members' dollars, without consulting with them, on tv ads. The current bill will directly lead to the undermining of Medicare as medical care for seniors is forced into the hands of HMOs. AARP does not advocate for seniors; instead, it advocates for the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, they solicited my membership on false pretenses and lied to millions about their agenda and mission. I and thousands like me in Washington State have been lied to by this organization in order to solicit funding. I respectfully request that the Office of the Washington State Attorney General investigate AARP's behavior to determine criminal intent.
|
rucky
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 04:57 PM
Response to Original message |
|
I wish you the best of luck, and hope other members follow.
|
annagull
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 04:57 PM
Response to Original message |
|
I would love to see Novelli investigated.
|
NoMoreRedInk
(237 posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 04:57 PM
Response to Original message |
3. AARP is just another special interest group.... |
|
but a very wealthy and successful special interest group. They have spent their members' money on TV ads without consulting them throughout their history.
The problem is their special interests used to be aligned with the interests of the Democratic Party, and their TV ads used to support our candidates.
How they've gone over to the other side, I'll never know.
|
FlaGranny
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:01 PM
Response to Reply #3 |
5. Right wing-nut infiltration - |
|
they are everywhere, masquerading as normal people.
|
rucky
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:07 PM
Response to Reply #3 |
9. Not just another special interest... |
|
They're the LARGEST special interest group in the country. They're in the insurance business. They've been astroturfed by big pharma & insurance.
btw, google the word "astroturfing" ...it's interesting
There's a good thread about the recent history of the AARP floating around here today. I'll post if i find it again
|
maddezmom
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 04:59 PM
Response to Original message |
flpoljunkie
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:05 PM
Response to Original message |
indepat
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:06 PM
Response to Original message |
7. Bravisimo. This is strategic: let's all send AAPR straight to hell and |
wryter2000
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:07 PM
Response to Original message |
otohara
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:16 PM
Response to Original message |
10. American Association of REPUBLICAN PARTY |
|
They no longer represent retired people - Good for you!
|
Melsky
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:17 PM
Response to Original message |
|
Thanks for taking the time to do that. It is well written.
|
Racenut20
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:20 PM
Response to Original message |
12. Not a member in Florida, but I hope |
|
one of you will grab this exact wording and file a complaint with Charley Christ before the day is over.
|
theboss
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:24 PM
Response to Original message |
13. Check out this thread for some guidance |
|
I just started this one and I think it relates. Your complaint as it is written may fall short of stating a cause. You could link it to "influence peddling" and have a stronger argument. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=753740
|
The Blue Flower
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:34 PM
Response to Reply #13 |
14. Had to start somewhere |
|
And I'm not a lawyer. I just want to see where it goes. Thanks.
|
theboss
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:39 PM
Response to Reply #14 |
|
I am a lawyer so I'm just telling you how to make it stronger. At this point, you are basically arguing that they supported a bill you don't like. Well, the flipside is that over x number of years, they have probably supported hundreds of "Democratic" bills. So, one bill alone fails to prove that non-partisanship is false advertising. In fact, it probably makes a case for the opposite. (This by the way is why the NRA adores pro-gun Democrats who run for governor like Warner. They can endorse them to prove they are non-partisan).
However, if you can somehow begin the argument that there is some sort of quid pro quo taking plave to explain the unusual argument, well, then you got a case.
Oh by the way, I would choose to file the complaint in a state with a Democratic AG who wants to make a name for himself. Advertising and fundraising are local issues so any state that the AARP advertises in would have jurisdiction.
|
Malva Zebrina
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:38 PM
Response to Original message |
|
I am so confused by it all, but you have put a lot of it into perspective and laid it all out clearly. No doubt about it, and no matter what anyone says, seniors are being screwed---AGAIN. Some of us are not ready to be put out on the ice.
|
leftofthedial
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 05:42 PM
Response to Original message |
|
I'll ask my mom to do the same. She is livid!
|
mitchum
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 06:14 PM
Response to Original message |
DoYouEverWonder
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 06:22 PM
Response to Original message |
19. May the gray panthers rise again! |
Spazito
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 07:23 PM
Response to Original message |
Wonk
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Fri Nov-21-03 11:36 PM
Response to Reply #20 |
DU
AdBot (1000+ posts) |
Sat May 11th 2024, 09:24 AM
Response to Original message |