A necessary dialogue
Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Highly charged debate over illegal immigration legislation stands testament to the difficulty of tackling complex national problems. It also provides evidence of the difficulties facing AARP as it works to forge consensus on the issues of health care and long-term financial security.
Still, we applaud AARP for embarking on "Divided We Fail" - an ambitious campaign begun nationally in January and introduced in Iowa last month - because the organization is absolutely right about the importance of those immense challenges.
In a recent editorial board session with The Journal, AARP representatives, including Chief Operating Officer Tom Nelson, talked in general terms about the program and, more specifically, the strategy in Iowa.
Tied to the 2008 presidential election, Divided We Fail is designed to stimulate a national dialogue about health care and financial security, to press for plans of action from candidates and to inform voters on what those plans are.
Because it holds the nation's first test of presidential strength with its caucuses in January, Iowa is a key state in what AARP calls the largest advocacy effort in the organization's nearly half century of existence. As allies, AARP officials have enlisted a cross-section of campaign supporters in Iowa, including businesses, unions, education, government and nonprofits. That, they say, is key to achieving success in shaping the debate.
A centerpiece of the effort in Iowa is a series of "Town Hall Conversations." Between June 4 and Aug. 2, the organization will host some 40 of them across the state. AARP officials encourage Iowans to attend these events and share personal stories of concern about access to affordable, quality health care and achievement of financial security. The "Conversations," AARP hopes, will spur voters to ask questions of presidential candidates related to those subjects.
Through the emotional, divisive debate over illegal immigration, we are witnessing the obstacles America faces in finding solutions to enormously complicated problems. Like illegal immigration, questions about health care and financial security do not lend themselves to simple answers that satisfy everyone.
That we as a nation must roll up our collective sleeves and work toward solutions, despite the heavy lifting necessary, is beyond dispute. Simply proceeding with the status quo should not be an option.
They have their work cut out for them, but AARP officials are doing their part to affect positive change. For that, the organization deserves credit.
Still, we applaud AARP for embarking on "Divided We Fail" - an ambitious campaign begun nationally in January and introduced in Iowa last month - because the organization is absolutely right about the importance of those immense challenges.
In a recent editorial board session with The Journal, AARP representatives, including Chief Operating Officer Tom Nelson, talked in general terms about the program and, more specifically, the strategy in Iowa.
Tied to the 2008 presidential election, Divided We Fail is designed to stimulate a national dialogue about health care and financial security, to press for plans of action from candidates and to inform voters on what those plans are.
Because it holds the nation's first test of presidential strength with its caucuses in January, Iowa is a key state in what AARP calls the largest advocacy effort in the organization's nearly half century of existence. As allies, AARP officials have enlisted a cross-section of campaign supporters in Iowa, including businesses, unions, education, government and nonprofits. That, they say, is key to achieving success in shaping the debate.
A centerpiece of the effort in Iowa is a series of "Town Hall Conversations." Between June 4 and Aug. 2, the organization will host some 40 of them across the state. AARP officials encourage Iowans to attend these events and share personal stories of concern about access to affordable, quality health care and achievement of financial security. The "Conversations," AARP hopes, will spur voters to ask questions of presidential candidates related to those subjects.
Through the emotional, divisive debate over illegal immigration, we are witnessing the obstacles America faces in finding solutions to enormously complicated problems. Like illegal immigration, questions about health care and financial security do not lend themselves to simple answers that satisfy everyone.
That we as a nation must roll up our collective sleeves and work toward solutions, despite the heavy lifting necessary, is beyond dispute. Simply proceeding with the status quo should not be an option.
They have their work cut out for them, but AARP officials are doing their part to affect positive change. For that, the organization deserves credit.
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Mae wrote on Jun 21, 2007 6:57 AM:
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