It just occured to me that the one organization that makes politicians tremble is AARP. I have just searched their web site and found not even one mention of y2k. Its the older folks who will suffer and die first in the y2k disaster. Even if it is a glitch of a weeks duration, how many old folks can survive the cold and lack of food, electricity etc? AARP is probably as powerful in Washington as the Israelis are. I just wrote a scathing e-mail to AARP scolding them for their silence and accusing them of alterior motives. I urge you members to do the same. Their address is: members@aarp.org Maybe we can light a fire under the government after all. Holly, with your spirit and CHUTZPA you could do a lot.

-- Bill Solorzano (notaclue@webtv.net), July 30, 1998

Answers

Bill, my dad just mentioned AARP to me on the phone...he's wondering why they are not hollaring on several subjects...Y2K being one, and the automatic deposit of So-So Security being the other....

Darn right, with their clout they oughta be hollaring to wake the ancient dead.

-- Donna Barthuley (moment@pacbell.net), July 30, 1998.

All I know is that my dad (and mom) is a member of AARP and he does NOT want to know anything about Y2K. I think he thinks he lived through the depression, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and the Gas Shortages of the 70s for heaven sakes -- he's through suffering and wants to be old in peace, darn it! I think I'd rather bring up my religion to him than Y2K. d

-- Dianne (benedict@theriver.com), August 01, 1998.

tried to e-mail aarp at address bill provided. it doesnt work. my mom and dad get this newsletter, and its alwasys laying around, and I, tohave noticed they seem to skirt the issue.

-- ed (edrider007@aol.com), August 01, 1998.

AARP is indeed a potent force that could make a tremendous difference in helping to raise the Y2K awareness level. When you think of their twenty-some-odd million constituency and the political punch AARP wields, it makes sense to encourage them to take a pro-active role in the Y2K arena. As Bill Solorzano suggests, older folks are one of the most vulnerable segments of our society -- physically, mentally and financially. But there are other aspects that if properly handled could create a very positive outcome. Let's think beyond just *protecting* them, let's get them involved in minimizing the Y2K problem ... in a positive and constructive way. Let's face it, many of our Seniors have lived through tough times, they have had to *make do*,they know the importance of neighborhood and community cooperation. There's another dimension ... think of their dormant, unused expertise (professional and practical) that could be mobilized and applied to Y2K. Don't you think a large portion of our seniors would welcome the opportunity to be part of the Y2K *solution*? Far too many are sitting around, bored out of their minds, focussing on their past.

And that's where AARP comes in. They have an opportunity to become one of the Y2K heroes. Their constituency can become a major part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. All AARP has to do is to mount a well-thought-out Y2K awareness campaign and introduce it via their vast communications network.

On the other hand, if AARP ignores the issue, and it turns out to be a calamity, would it not be reasonable conclude that AARP did not look out for its memberships' best interests? Some might even suggest negligence.

Timing is always crucial when it comes to success or failure. I'd like to suggest that the time is right to encourage AARP to get on with it. Last week, I and a prominent Y2K expert met with two high-ranking AARP officials at their headquarters in Washington, D.C. They are aware of the Y2K problem and are seriously considering doing something about it. However, they are somewhat reluctant because they've received very little feedback from their membership. It is VERY important that you communicate your concerns to AARP ... and ask your friends to do likewise ASAP.

You can email them at: mmletters@aarp.org

Or P-mail: LETTERS Modern Maturity 601 E St NW Washington,D.C. 20049

-- John O'Mara (jcomara@ma.ultranet.com), August 01, 1998.

My oh my, Bill! You really made my day! It's an affirmation of what I started thinking about doing next on my Y2K "crusade" shortly after awakening today! Actually, I Emailed AARP's Modern Maturity last week--a l-o-o-ng admonition about getting info in the Mag. about Y2K. This a.m., I decided to attend the next AARP local meeting--Aug. 6. I have never attended such, nor even wanted to. From what I've seen in Modern Maturity, the organization looks too liberal to this ultra conservative! But, what the heck, there's a time to "get out of the salt shaker," isn't there! Besides, I've often had my head chopped off, most lately on these Forum pages! I'll keep you posted, on this site, about the outcome of the Aug. 6 meeting. The problem is, just about every time I get into something like that, because of my big mouth, I end up on the board, and even as president! At 73, I'm trying not to be overly cautious, but there's such a thing as "overload!" If you're a praying man, Bill, include me, please! A couple weeks ago, I gave a file full of printed matter from this Forum and others, along with a video of the C-SPAN, 3-hour Y2K forum, to the manager of this HUD-subsidized senior complex. She is interested, but hasn't had time to peruse it, yet. I've suggested getting a food/bottled water bank going here. Some of my neighbors have nothing "extra." Thanks, Bill, for your kind, encouraging boost!

-- Holly Allen (Holly3325@juno.com), August 01, 1998.

Don't hold your breath, waiting for AARP to do something. You'll be turning pretty blue. I was a member for 20 years and had to either quit the organization or buy a bigger mail box. Their daily junk mail became more than I could handle. You can buy anything from them, including the kitchen sink. They'll never let a negative thing like Y2K interrupt their grubbin' for money from the old folks. I finally told them this long-time member had died. That's how I got off that mailing list. If you're in your mid-fifties and you get that letter, don't even give them an opening.

hull

-- hull stetson (stetson.hull@usa.net), August 02, 1998.

In response to my last month's Email, I received this Email from AARP's publishers: "Modern Maturidy has contracted for an article regarding Y2K to be included in one of the early 1999 issues." Yesterday, I went to a local AARP luncheon meeting (my first). I have a contact name, after mentioning to her that I would like to do a presentation. (I didn't have time to specify re Y2K, but will do so in an Email to her.) Although I have done lots of public speaking, it has never been about Y2K! I have mixed feelings. I am a gutsy old lady, but I don't like the idea of the "messenger" being "killed" because of the message! I don't like scaring some 56 old people, even tho' I are one! Any praying folk reading this? Say one for me, o.k.! Thanks!

-- Holly Allen (Holly3325@juno.com), August 14, 1998.