AARP went into "full damage-control mode" this week, after news reports said the powerful seniors lobby would be willing to support some cuts to Social Security. While Democratic allies in Congress expressed shock, AARP leaders insisted the group's position hadn't changed, saying they still oppose reducing retirement benefits as part of a deficit reduction bill, but acknowledge the need for long-term adjustments to keep the Social Security trust fund from being drained by 2036, as projected. Is this a sellout, or is AARP merely recognizing the need to fix the system?
AARP's position is just common sense: "AARP deserves tremendous credit for declaring its willingness last week to sit down and work out a Social Security deal," says Howard Gleckman at Forbes. The 70-year-old system, which will only have enough money to provide future retirees with three-quarters of their promised benefits, desperately needs fixing. Republicans want to reform it out of existence, and Democrats resist even minor changes, but everyone will have to compromise to keep this safety net for the elderly intact.
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