Title: AARP: Money First, Seniors Second
Headings: AARP: Money First, Seniors Second
AARP: Money First, Seniors Second
Russel Hanson is the pen name of a writer in Washington, D.C.

Content: While AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is technically considered a private not-for-profit organization, they were founded in 1958 with a primary mission to sell seniors health insurance. That's right, sell. As in to make money. Obviously, I have no problem with people or businesses selling things; the more products and services on the market, the more selection and the more competition. The free-market system has allowed us to become one of the greatest nations in the history of mankind. But when an organization's primary mission is to sell a product (in this case health care insurance) and spends tons of money on lobbying and political contributions, it should not be eligible for tax-exempt status. Many Republicans in the 112th Congress recognize this. In fact, in April, Reps. Wally Herger and Dave Reichert released a report entitled "Behind the Veil: