Divided We Fail

By Charles Milsted, Associate Director, AARP Florida

Let me ask you two questions: Are you concerned about health care in America? And do you believe that Americans are failing to prepare for our long-term financial security?

If you’re like millions of others, you answered a firm “yes!” to both questions. But what can you do to influence such huge issues?

There’s good news – you do have the power to make a difference. In 2008, we face a critical window of opportunity to influence our nation’s leaders. Neither of the two major political parties have a commanding advantage, and there is no political “heir apparent” for the presidency.

Floridians 50+ are in an especially important position. With a presidential primary scheduled for Jan. 29, 2008, just days after New Hampshire, Florida is a frequent stop for the presidential candidates. It’s not the sunshine: They want our votes.

AARP has joined with millions of ordinary Americans to hold the 2008 candidates accountable on the vital issues that most affect our lives – health security for all generations and long-term financial security.

We all know it is past time for action. Some 45 million Americans lack health-care coverage, and millions more fear they’re about to lose what little coverage they have. We pay far more for health care than other developed nations, but our health outcomes often are worse. Better health information technology could save an estimated $8 billion a year and many lives. Healthier lifestyles are a must, yet we aren’t rewarding those who are living responsibly.

The story is similar on long-term financial security. Only one in five American workers is still covered by a defined-benefit pension. Half of all workers eligible for an employer savings program like a 401K are not even enrolled in such a program, and many who have saved for retirement have a long way to go. If we don’t give Americans effective tools to prepare for their own futures, millions of older Americans could be forced to accept a bleak future.

Yet while our problems grow, Washington seems mired in partisan bickering. It’s high time we hold our leaders accountable for solutions.

The campaign is called “Divided We Fail” (www.dividedwefail.org). There is a role for nearly everyone in this campaign. You can sign a pledge to hold candidates accountable for action. You can share your story of how health and financial security issues have affected your own life. You can even volunteer to ask the presidential candidates for answers on these issues, face to face.

This is not a campaign only for Democrats or Republicans – it’s a campaign for Americans. We believe there are solutions that many from both parties can agree on. It is critically important that we keep focused on workable, realistic solutions that appeal to a broad range of Americans.

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing a steady diet of tips and updates on this important initiative. We’ll be sharing these “Divided We Fail News Nuggets” with you through community news organizations, our web sites (www.aarp.org/fl and www.floridaagingnews.org) and in other ways.

An uphill battle? Not really. AARP is optimistic about this campaign. Partly it’s because of the enthusiasm shown by Divided We Fail activists and volunteers. Partly it’s the increasingly strong response being received from the candidates.

But mostly it’s because of this simple, powerful truth in the campaign’s very name.

Divided, we fail.

But together . . . we can do anything.

To learn more about this important campaign and opportunities to learn more about the status and future of health care and financial security in America, call AARP Florida toll free at 866-595-7678.