The statement from their website is included after the jump. Check out the NYT article for coverage of the $5 million or more they plan to spend advertising against the plan. This is big news and could be the tipping point against the plan.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/30/politics/30retire.html?hp&ex=1104382800&en=84b812f13a9a691
9&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Social Security: Where We Stand
An Open Letter to AARP Members
Dear AARP Members:
There is a lot of misinformation about Social Security. We want to make it clear where AARP stands on this issue: We stand with you.
Let's look at the facts. Social Security is the most successful program in our nation's history. It is a promise our country makes to working Americans and retirees. And a promise should not have an expiration date.
While Social Security is strong now and in no danger of going broke, it is true that the program needs some changes so it will always be able to pay full benefits for all generations of Americans-today and tomorrow. The changes needed don't have to be drastic, and the guarantee Social Security provides is one worth strengthening, not replacing. The longer we wait to do this, the more difficult the steps we will have to take.
At AARP, we have a number of good ideas on how to make the adjustments needed and would be glad to share them with you. Visit our web site at aarp.org/socialsecurity.
Our country needs a full national discussion of all the ideas on the table. One idea being put forward is in the wrong direction for fixing Social Security and will actually make the problem worse, not better. Taking some of the money that workers pay into the system and diverting it into newly created private accounts would weaken Social Security and put benefits for future generations at risk.
AARP is opposed to private accounts that take money out of Social Security.
In addition, private accounts are expensive. Just to switch to this new system could require as much as $2 trillion or more in benefit cuts, new taxes or more debt. Most of us would then have to pay twice to gamble on this new plan-first to keep our commitments to current retirees and again to pay into these private accounts. Some critics of these personal accounts think that Wall Street, not retirees, would be the real beneficiaries.
Now that Social Security has moved to the top of the political agenda, we must all work together to protect it. America must keep its promise to the retirees of today and tomorrow. We urge you to join AARP in the fight to ensure that Social Security's guaranteed and inflation-protected lifetime benefits stay in place for generations to come.
Marie Smith, President
Bill Novelli, CEO
P.S. Join us in our fight. There is too much at risk to not be involved. Go to aarp.org/socialsecurity or call (800) 846-8610 today to deliver a clear message to Congress. It is about your future and it is our fight.