The AARP was instrumental in helping defeat the Republicans during the '95 budget battle.
I will not join them, ever!
It is the most self-centered single-issue advocacy group out there. It could care less about what's best for the country and in that regard it is the same as any of the left-wing groups.
I agree on your single-issue criticism. AARP also does classic demagoguery on that issue. They either seem unaware or uncaring of the probability that their stances and tactics will one day, almost inevitably, result in generational warfare where everyone loses. AARP is despicable. Like you, even though they've been after me for 9 years to join, I'll never do it. I love my kids too much. I know there are people who put bumper stickers on their motor homes which say, "I'm out spending my children's inheritance"; but that just isn't me.