If you’re of a certain age, you’re probably familiar with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). However, you might not be aware of the political undertones driving the organization that claims to represent seniors.
AARP enjoys a near-monopoly when it comes to its influence over retirees, with little to no criticism making it to the mainstream. As someone within their target demographic, I decided to dig deeper into their stance on today’s pressing social issues—beyond the usual advice to “exercise more” or “cut down on sugar.”
While AARP’s mission is to guide retirees into the future, it has quietly veered left in recent years, a shift that most of its 35 million members may be unaware of. Terry Scanlon from the Capital Research Center notes, “Most people join AARP for the discounts, not realizing the organization has a strong liberal political agenda.”
But hold on, isn’t AARP supposed to be a bipartisan non-profit? How does it maintain its tax-exempt status if it leans so heavily to one side? The answer lies in how AARP has structured itself. By splitting into various entities, the organization has managed to maintain its non-profit status while pushing a decidedly left-leaning political agenda.
AARP has received millions of dollars from the federal government over the years, primarily to educate seniors on healthcare, financial planning, and retirement. Despite being labeled a nonpartisan advocacy group, AARP has lobbied both major political parties. The organization has also received substantial grants from the Department of Labor for a senior employment program that costs around $7,000 per participant.
One of the more controversial aspects of AARP’s activities is its connection to Obamacare, and the financial gains it made from the legislation. When Obamacare became law, it cut $716 billion from Medicare to fund the expansion of coverage for low-income Americans. While affordable healthcare is essential, seniors—who account for 90% of healthcare usage in the U.S.—also need access to affordable care. The Senate reported that the Medicare cuts could potentially bring AARP a $1 billion windfall from its insurance business, preserving another $1.8 billion in profits over ten years, all thanks to Obamacare.
So, what’s really going on? According to Marylin Moon, a former director of AARP’s Public Policy Institute, “A lot of people there are trying to do good, but they’re becoming overly reliant on Medigap royalty income.”
AARP’s shift to the left has come with little risk since only 20% of its revenue comes from membership dues. Aside from its finances, AARP is involved in several political issues that might not sit well with all its members.
For example, AARP supports the idea of regionalism, which aims to eliminate wealth disparities by promoting the construction of more subsidized housing in wealthier communities. In their own words, “Policymakers should create communities that allow people of varying income levels to live there.” While this sounds noble, it’s unlikely such housing will be built in affluent areas like Nancy Pelosi’s neighborhood.
AARP’s website also touches on climate change, attributing a rise in infectious diseases to global warming. While their concerns might be valid, some members may find it hard to reconcile this with AARP’s mission to serve seniors.
And then there’s the matter of voting. AARP has advocated for mail-in voting as the default option, even for those who aren’t afraid to leave their homes. Add to that their support for mask mandates and forced testing, and it’s clear that AARP is following a left-wing playbook.
The list goes on, but you get the picture. Before renewing your membership and forking over another $12, consider whether AARP’s political agenda aligns with your values.
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