AARP Is Open to Cuts for Social Security Benefits (NYT)

[somone]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/18/us/18aarp.html

AARP Is Open to Cuts for Social Security Benefits

WASHINGTON — AARP, the powerful lobby for older Americans that has been seen as one of the leading opponents of Social Security benefit cuts, said on Friday that it was open to modest reductions in benefits for future recipients.

The group’s stance, which generated quick reaction from all sides because of its powerful voice on the issue, could provide added ammunition to fiscal conservatives who have sought unsuccessfully to restructure Social Security and chip away at the benefits it promises older Americans.

“Our goal is to limit any changes in benefits,” John Rother, AARP’s policy chief, said in a telephone interview, “but we also want to see the system made solvent.”

Mr. Rother said the group’s stance on possible cuts, which was first reported in The Wall Street Journal in Friday’s editions, should be seen less as a major change in position than as a reflection of the political and financial realities facing the Social Security system and the country as a whole...

[ixion]

1. AARP sells future recipients down the river

I'll remember that, AARP.

[benld74]

2. FUNNY NOT that is NOT WHAT the AARP WEB SITE SAYS AT ALL!!!!!

http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-06-2011/aarp-has-not-changed-its-position-on-social-security.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 17, 2011
Contact: Media Relations
[phone]


AARP Has Not Changed Its Position on Social Security

Reaffirms that program must be strengthened to maintain critical benefits

WASHINGTON – AARP CEO A. Barry Rand offered the following statement in response to inaccurate media stories on the association’s policy on Social Security:

“Let me be clear – AARP is as committed as we’ve ever been to fighting to protect Social Security for today’s seniors and strengthening it for future generations. Contrary to the misleading characterization in a recent media story, AARP has not changed its position on Social Security.

“First, we are currently fighting some proposals in Washington to cut Social Security to reduce a deficit it did not cause. Social Security should not be used as a piggy bank to solve the nation’s deficit. Any changes to this lifeline program should happen in a separate, broader discussion and make retirement more secure for future generations, not less.

“Our focus has always been on the human impact of changes, not just the budget tables. Which is why, as we have done numerous times over the last several decades, AARP is engaging our volunteer Board to evaluate any proposed changes to Social Security to determine how each might – individually or in different combinations – impact the lives of current and future retirees given the constantly changing economic realities they face.

“Second, we have maintained for years – to our members, the media and elected officials – that long term solvency is key to protecting and strengthening Social Security for all generations, and we have urged elected officials in Washington to address the program’s long-term challenges in a way that’s fair for all generations.

“It has long been AARP’s policy that Social Security should be strengthened to provide adequate benefits and that it is sufficiently financed to ensure solvency with a stable trust fund for the next 75 years. It has also been a long held position that any changes would be phased in slowly, over time, and would not affect any current or near term beneficiaries.

“AARP strongly opposed a privatization plan in 2005, and continues to oppose this approach, because it would eliminate the guarantee that Social Security provides and reduce benefits, and we are currently fighting proposals to cut Social Security to pay the nation’s bills.

“Social Security is a critically important issue for our members, their families and Americans of all ages, especially at a time when many will have less retirement security than previous generations with fewer pensions, less savings and rising health care costs. And, as we have been for decades, we will continue to protect this bedrock of lifetime financial security for all generations of Americans.”

[Lasher]

7. I don't see them saying they are not open to cuts in Social Security benefits

As a matter of fact, I see the same weasel words that are being used by others who want to 'save' Social Security with more benefit cuts.

[Liberal Veteran]

3. As someone approaching my middle years, I look forward to their efforts to enroll me.

So I can tell them to stick it.

From what I understand, AARP is more concerned with selling insurance policies than defending an aging populace.

[sarcasmo]

4. AARP screwing those of us in our 40's and younger .

[unkachuck]

5. "AARP Is Open to Cuts for Social Security Benefits"

....if so, then it's time to quit AARP.....

....I don't care if you're one month old or one hundred years old, we're all in this together and must stop ANY cuts to ANY social program.....we'll find the money now and in the future or we'll hire people that will find the money....

....paying for the mistakes of this corrupt capitalist system, on the backs of the American people, must end.

[elfin]

6. I quit them after the Bush drug deal

They supported it big time, adding to our fiscal problems today. Even though the membership is nominal, I needed to make some sort of statement.

Yes, they have some nice discounts when registering at hotels and other places, but so does the usual standard "senior discount."

So disappointed in this group. They no longer speak for this geezer.

[tsuki]

8. I watched that lying POS Scott Pelley tonight. He made the statement

that Social Security was 20% of the annual budget, fawned over Erskine Bowles and ran with the AARP story inferring they were open to major cuts. CBS has outdone itself with the new reader.