New email endorsement shows AARP going all-out for Dems, Obamacare (is that legal for a non-profit?)

Washington Examiner ^ | 8/07/09 | Mark Tapscott

[Libloather]

New email endorsement shows AARP going all-out for Dems, Obamacare
By: Mark Tapscott
Editorial Page Editor
08/07/09 7:29 AM EDT

Not that there was any doubt about it, but a new email campaign by AARP's liberal Democrat-dominated Washington staff makes it crystal clear that the leadership of the 40-million member seniors group is going all-out for Obamacare and the House Democrats' version of it, H.R. 3200.

The email alert is especially interesting because AARP is a tax-exempt non-profit that is barred from participating in partisan campaigns, though it is allowed to do a limited amount of legislative lobbying of Congress. No doubt the AARP leadership in Washington will argue they aren't doing anything they aren't allowed to do as a 501(c)(4), but this new email campaign throws the spirit of the law right out the window.

But wait, there is more. Erick Erickson at Red State details the steps by which AARP's Washington staff has moved the organization to its present position, and notes the growing opposition within the membership.

[Libloather]

According to its mission statement,[1] it is "a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over ... dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age,"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AARP

[jessduntno]

TOWN HALL MEETINGS BY STATE AUGUST, SEPTEMBER:

http://www.teapartypatriots.org/TownHalls.aspx

[Recovering_Democrat]

GOSH I DON’T KNOW. LET’S FILE SOME ETHICS COMPLAINTS AND SOME LAWSUITS AGAINST ‘EM. JUST TO FIND OUT.

REPUBLICAN LAWYER ASSOCIATION, ARE YOU AWAKE??

[ozzymandus]

I have always hated the AARP, and always considered anybody who would pay dues a greedy, ignorant, fool. I’ve been throwing their mail in the trash since they started sending it to me. Unfortunately, I know a lot of old fools who think they’re getting some valuable “discounts” from these leftist crooks.

[Mariner]

Non-profits are allowed to do all of the ISSUE advertising and advocacy they desire, without limit.

It's only when the advocate for a particular candidate or party that they are constrained.

Same with private enterprise. Same with Unions.

When you put them all together, we'll see AT LEAST $500mil spent against us this fall.

[2ndClassCitizen]

I resigned from AARP yesterday.

Does anyone know of another organization that my be less liberal/socialist that I can join?

It felt so good to tell the lady that I was resigning due to the liberal stances on health care and other issues. She stated that AARP has not taken a position on health care.

[stripes1776]

I have always hated the AARP, and always considered anybody who would pay dues a greedy, ignorant, fool. I’ve been throwing their mail in the trash since they started sending it to me. Unfortunately, I know a lot of old fools who think they’re getting some valuable “discounts” from these leftist crooks.

Perhaps it's time for someone to start a different nonprofit and give the AARP some competition. I will never join AARP.

[Josa]

Many of the same discounts can be had through a AAA membership....which also includes the driving benefits.

[Domandred]

But but the AARP spokesperson down in Tampa swore that the AARP doesn’t endorse any legislation. (they just get as close as they can get without actually saying “we endorse Obama’s deathcare”)

[FlingWingFlyer]

I have always thought of the AARP as being just another tentacle of the DNC. Their junk mail always ends up in the trash at the Post Office.

[kenth]

The rank and file members are just lemmings heading for cliff 0bama.

[Baladas]

Good for you. There is another one, but I can’t think of the name - anybody?

[cookcounty]

"Perhaps it's time for someone to start a different nonprofit and give the AARP some competition.

A group called "Next" started up a few years ago, but apparently fizzled.

[Publius6961]

and notes the growing opposition within the membership.

I don't see any evidence of significant "growing opposition."
Yes, I have looked for it and am seeking effective means to send a message. For starters, I assume trying to get a refund on remaining membership would be an exercise in futily (Libs are experts at stonewalling until it no longer matters.)

I am aware that AARP takes kickbacks from their "endorsed" insurers, so I will never go there.

However, their bulletin is very useful to keep updated on bills before Congress, tax issues and other subjects of interest to senior citizens, specially those on a fixed modest income. As far as I know, there is no non-liberal similar source.

[Godzilla]

But wait, wait, the lady in the AARP meeting said here -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoMNDdQ1_h0

that the aarp doesn’t endorse legislation. . . . .

[a fool in paradise]

A non-profit jeopardizes its tax free status if it engages in “advocacy” for any pending legislation, or for/against any particular candidate or political party.

They are more Obama connected TAX CHEATS.

[sport]

Only if it benefits Democrats.

[thecabal]

She stated that AARP has not taken a position on health care.

Too bad you didn't tell her that kind of "speaking with a forked tongue" is another reason why you quit them. Kudos to you for dropping those progressive death mongers.

[AD from SpringBay]

It is only illegal for a non-profit to support conservative causes.

[EDINVA]

Try USA Next

I don’t have a lot of detail, but it’s the successor to United Seniors of America, the conservative seniors group. It doesn’t offer the expansive program of AARP, but at least is politically friendly.