Cliff Stearns: “the AARP has publicly denounced any plans to reform Social Security that might include personal savings retirement…”

“the AARP has publicly denounced any plans to reform Social Security that might include personal savings retirement accounts. They have taken out full-page ads claiming that investing for retirement is like playing the slot machines in Las Vegas. But the AARP Web site tells its senior members to invest their money in a 401(k) or an IRA, and also says that seniors do not invest enough in retirement plans. Why are these retirement plans safe and advisable but personal retirement accounts through Social Security are too risky? In addition, the AARP has its own investment plan through Scudder Investments that invests in mutual funds and stock index funds. If the AARP exists to look out for the interests of retired persons and they advise their membership to invest their money in mutual funds and stock index funds, my colleagues, it seems suspect that they would not support a program that would allow some, some flexibility through the Social Security program. ____________________”