Barbara Kennelly, a former Congresswoman, became President of the National Council to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) in 2002. She has recently been replaced by Max Richtman, a long-time NCPSSM board member. No explanation was given for Kennelly's departure. You would think that if this were a simple case of Ms. Kennelly retiring or moving on to another job that there would have been a press release.
NCPSSM has been around for more than 20 years. It started out under the leadership of a son of Franklin Roosevelt and quickly got into trouble for its fundraising activities which featured over the top scare tactics at a time when there was little reason to be scared about Social Security's future. If I remember correctly, there was a Congressional hearing. Ever since, NCPSSM has struggled with a questionable reputation. My impression is that the organization is a far more interested in fundraising than anything else. They put out press releases and they engage in relentless fundraising but I have never noticed them having any impact.
You summed it up quite nicely, Charles. Vastly more interested in fundraising/spending than in anything substantive.
ReplyDeleteThey actually have a much more facile and effective presence on the Hill because of the positions they take than AARP, which moves glacier-like to take a position on anything.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to the Kennelly announcement - in APRIL. http://www.ncpssm.org/news/archive/bbk_step_down/
ReplyDeleteSpend some time on their website and you'll learn how effective and instrumental they've been in fighting back attempts to cut SS and Med benefits. Suggest turning your negative energy towards those in Washington who continue to beat the drum for cuts.
These were the "notch baby" folks who worked seniors into a frenzy back in the 80's. They raised millions and accomplished nothing on the issue. Their history since has followed a similar pattern.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the year 2011. For decades, this group has produced more credible analysis and testimony than most other groups working on this issue. If seniors didn't have this advocacy resource, who would they trust to protect their benefits- AARP?
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