[grania]

But, I can only hope my one legal vote counters the socialism that my $12.50 bought.

It really doesn't. You're part of the claim of representing however many millions of Seniors.

I won't join:

1. After years of forced membership in teachers unions I almost never agreed with that never asked my opinion, it's great to be able to say "no" to these commies who never ask their members opinion.

2. I was really, really irritated when I hit 50 and my mail box constantly had junk from them that advertised on the envelope that I was old enough to join AARP.

[Trust but Verify]

Good for all of those who don't send 'membership' dues to that pathetic organization which claims to 'help' seniors. ALl they do is help themselves to the senior's money, and use it to help themselves to the rest of ours. I'm only 7 years from being a 'senior'. They are going to get a piece of my mind if they dare start sending me crap telling me I'm old enough to join.

[driftless]

My reaction was similar to yours. I just refuse to join something that everyone else my age is joining just because it's the "smart" thing to do. And I disliked the idea of sheep-like joining an organization just because I turned fifty, and you're supposed to join.