| Topic: |
Science > Abortion |
| User: |
"james g. keegan jr." |
| Date: |
21 Feb 2005 01:14:14 PM |
| Object: |
swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
A New Target for Advisers to Swift Vets
By Glen Justice
The New York Times
Monday 21 February 2005
Washington - Taking its cues from the success of last year's Swift
boat veterans' campaign in the presidential race, a conservative
lobbying organization has hired some of the same consultants to
orchestrate attacks on one of President Bush's toughest opponents in
the battle to overhaul Social Security.
The lobbying group, USA Next, which has poured millions of dollars
into Republican policy battles, now says it plans to spend as much as
$10 million on commercials and other tactics assailing AARP, the
powerhouse lobby opposing the private investment accounts at the center
of Mr. Bush's plan.
"They are the boulder in the middle of the highway to personal
savings accounts," said Charlie Jarvis, president of USA Next and
former deputy under secretary of the interior in the Reagan and first
Bush administrations. "We will be the dynamite that removes them."
Though it is not clear how much money USA Next has in hand for the
campaign - Mr. Jarvis will not say, and the group, which claims 1.5
million members, does not have to disclose its donors - officials say
that the group's annual budget was more than $28 million last year. The
group, a membership organization with no age requirements for joining,
has also spent millions in recent years vigorously supporting Bush
proposals on tax cuts, energy and the Medicare prescription drug plan.
So far, the groups dueling over Social Security have been
relatively tame, but the plans by USA Next foreshadow what could be a
steep escalation in the war to sway public opinion and members of
Congress in the days ahead.
Already, AARP is holding dozens of forums on the issue, has sent
mailings to its 35 million members and has spent roughly $5 million on
print advertisements in major newspapers opposing private accounts. "If
we feel like gambling," some advertisements said, "we'll play the
slots."
AARP is spending another $5 million on a new print advertising
campaign beginning this week.
To help set USA Next's strategy, the group has hired Chris
LaCivita, an enthusiastic former marine who advised Swift Vets and
P.O.W.'s for Truth, formerly known as Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, on
its media campaign and helped write its potent commercials. He earned
more than $30,000 for his work, campaign finance filings show.
Officials said the group is also seeking to hire Rick Reed, a
partner at Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm, a firm that was hired by
Swift Vets and was paid more than $276,000 to do media production,
records show.
For public relations, USA Next has turned to Creative Response
Concepts, a Virginia firm that represented both Swift Vets - the
company was paid more than $165,000 - and Regnery Publishing, the
publisher of "Unfit for Command," a book about Senator John Kerry's
military service whose co-author was John E. O'Neill, one of the
primary leaders of Swift Vets.
Swift Vets captured headlines for weeks in last year's presidential
race, when it spent millions of dollars on incendiary commercials
attacking Senator Kerry's war record. Because federal law prohibits
outside groups from coordinating with presidential campaigns during
elections, the organization came under fire when it was revealed that a
lawyer for Mr. Bush's campaign was also advising Swift Vets.
Mr. Bush criticized groups like Swift Vets last year, and his
campaign kept its distance from the groups' attacks on Mr. Kerry. In
policy battles like the one looming over Social Security, though, there
is no prohibition against coordination. Several huge business lobbies,
like the Business Roundtable, have become closely linked to Mr. Bush's
plans for Social Security and have assembled coalitions to promote the
proposals across the country.
In the case of USA Next, the group and the White House say they are
not working together. Trent Duffy, a White House spokesman, said the
administration was familiar with the group and has interacted with it
on issues in the past, but said that it had no input on its current
efforts. USA Next says it has taken pains to disassociate itself from
the administration, even declining to join the large lobbying
coalitions the White House is working with to pass Social Security
legislation
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/022105G.shtml
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| User: "David W. Barnes" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:24:38 PM |
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In article <Xns96049C7204FD4keegannycaprrcom@130.133.1.4>, james g.
keegan jr. <keegan@nycap.rr.com> wrote:
Bert Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote in
news:Xns960491BAFA99VeebleFetzer@news.octanews.com:
In news:Xns96049AD88166Ekeegannycaprrcom@130.133.1.4 "james g. keegan
jr." <keegan@nycap.rr.com> wrote:
and here i thought neocons opposed gay relationships too.
And you're a gay-basher to boot?
goodness, you went from distortion to blatant misrepresentation. you must
be feeling very inadequate.
Great! Now you are "bashing" people who feel inadequate. What next?
:-)
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| User: "james g. keegan jr." |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:31:19 PM |
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"David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com> wrote in
news:210220051224389596%spam@aol.com:
In article <Xns96049C7204FD4keegannycaprrcom@130.133.1.4>, james g.
keegan jr. <keegan@nycap.rr.com> wrote:
Bert Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote in
news:Xns960491BAFA99VeebleFetzer@news.octanews.com:
In news:Xns96049AD88166Ekeegannycaprrcom@130.133.1.4 "james g.
keegan jr." <keegan@nycap.rr.com> wrote:
and here i thought neocons opposed gay relationships too.
And you're a gay-basher to boot?
goodness, you went from distortion to blatant misrepresentation. you
must be feeling very inadequate.
Great! Now you are "bashing" people who feel inadequate. What next?
:-)
poor bert, he's cornered. if he were more creative he could come with
better misrepresentations, but i think he is fairly limited in imagination.
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| User: "David W. Barnes" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:22:28 PM |
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In article <Xns96048F7281059VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051201135269%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com>
wrote:
In article <Xns96048DEA16533VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
i noticed you deleted both the article and the reference to it
too. you must be worried that others will read it too.
You really ought to have somebody explain to you how this USENET
stuff works.
It is you who seems lost.
How so? It appears that Mr. Keegan here believes that because I
didn't include the full text of his post in my followup, I have
somehow "deleted" it.
Is that what you believe too?
I believe that wasn't his point. He was trying to make the point
that Republicans are hiring the same hacks to lie, distort, and twist
the position of seniors as they did to lie, distort, and twist the
position of Kerry.
If that was the point he was trying to make, why then was the subject
of his post "swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next"?
The organization "USA Next" is NOT the "Swift Boat Vets", nor is the
AARP "senior citizens".
Who do you think AARP is? The "Aryan Arm of the Republican Party?"
The AARP is a corporation which makes big bucks selling insurance to
middle-aged and older Americans.
I get it. You live in a different world than the rest of us. You
think that if you don't like an organization, they become the label YOU
place on them. Lets look at what the AARP really is:
The "AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age.
We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through
information, advocacy and service." - AARP 2003 Corporate Report
And no one said USA Next was the Swift Boat Vets.
Keegan did; it's right up there in the Subject: line of his post and of
this thread.
Where does the subject line say anything about USA Next?
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| User: "james g. keegan jr." |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:23:49 PM |
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"David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com> wrote in
news:210220051222281788%spam@aol.com:
In article <Xns96048F7281059VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
Keegan did; it's right up there in the Subject: line of his post and
of this thread.
Where does the subject line say anything about USA Next?
i'm sad to say that bert has moved on from distortion to blatant
misrepresentation. apparently he is in far too deep.
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| User: "Bert Hyman" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:27:00 PM |
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In news:210220051222281788%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com>
wrote:
In article <Xns96048F7281059VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051201135269%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes"
<spam@aol.com> wrote:
And no one said USA Next was the Swift Boat Vets.
Keegan did; it's right up there in the Subject: line of his post and of
this thread.
Where does the subject line say anything about USA Next?
That's exactly right; his subject says "swift boat vets", while the entire
article talked only about "USA Next".
Glad you finally figured that out.
--
Bert Hyman St. Paul, MN bert@visi.com
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| User: "David W. Barnes" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:37:39 PM |
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In article <Xns96049322B5AF7VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051222281788%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com>
wrote:
In article <Xns96048F7281059VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051201135269%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes"
<spam@aol.com> wrote:
And no one said USA Next was the Swift Boat Vets.
Keegan did; it's right up there in the Subject: line of his post and of
this thread.
Where does the subject line say anything about USA Next?
That's exactly right; his subject says "swift boat vets", while the entire
article talked only about "USA Next".
USA Next, who hired the same people as the Swift Boat Vets.
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| User: "Bert Hyman" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:44:13 PM |
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In news:210220051237396410%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com>
wrote:
In article <Xns96049322B5AF7VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051222281788%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes"
<spam@aol.com> wrote:
In article <Xns96048F7281059VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051201135269%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes"
<spam@aol.com> wrote:
And no one said USA Next was the Swift Boat Vets.
Keegan did; it's right up there in the Subject: line of his post and
of this thread.
Where does the subject line say anything about USA Next?
That's exactly right; his subject says "swift boat vets", while the
entire article talked only about "USA Next".
USA Next, who hired the same people as the Swift Boat Vets.
If I hire the same PR firm as you, have I become you?
--
Bert Hyman St. Paul, MN bert@visi.com
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| User: "David W. Barnes" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 03:02:24 PM |
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In article <Xns9604960E0B818VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051237396410%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com>
wrote:
In article <Xns96049322B5AF7VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051222281788%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes"
<spam@aol.com> wrote:
In article <Xns96048F7281059VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051201135269%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes"
<spam@aol.com> wrote:
And no one said USA Next was the Swift Boat Vets.
Keegan did; it's right up there in the Subject: line of his post and
of this thread.
Where does the subject line say anything about USA Next?
That's exactly right; his subject says "swift boat vets", while the
entire article talked only about "USA Next".
USA Next, who hired the same people as the Swift Boat Vets.
If I hire the same PR firm as you, have I become you?
No - but if you haggle about that rather than what I am talking about
it makes me wonder what you are trying to hide.
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| User: "Bert Hyman" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:25:45 PM |
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In news:210220051222281788%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com>
wrote:
The "AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age.
We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through
information, advocacy and service." - AARP 2003 Corporate Report
http://www.democraticwhip.house.gov/docuploads/med_publiccitizen.pdf
In many ways, AARP has become a business deriving a large
portion—about 60 percent—of its annual revenue from selling
insurance products, such as Medigap supplemental drug insurance
policies; selling mail-order prescription drugs; and offering
prescription drug discount cards. It also sells its membership
list to corporations, such as health insurers, and sells
advertising space in its magazine to customers that include
pharmaceutical and insurance companies. It also temporarily
invests insurance premiums paid by its members before they are due
to the insurer. At this point in time membership dues represent
only 29 percent of AARP’s total revenues.1 The insurance-related
portion of the non-member income streams totals at least $161.6
million a year. Much of this income is derived from health
insurance-related activities, from which AARP would stand to gain
many millions of dollars in new income under the Republican
Medicare bill. Maximizing corporate-related income and profits
poses a significant conflict of interest for an organization
trying to represent the best interests of its members.
--
Bert Hyman St. Paul, MN bert@visi.com
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| User: "David W. Barnes" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 02:35:54 PM |
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In article <Xns960492EC584B3VeebleFetzer@news.mpls.visi.com>, Bert
Hyman <bert@visi.com> wrote:
In news:210220051222281788%spam@aol.com "David W. Barnes" <spam@aol.com>
wrote:
The "AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age.
We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through
information, advocacy and service." - AARP 2003 Corporate Report
http://www.democraticwhip.house.gov/docuploads/med_publiccitizen.pdf
In many ways, AARP has become a business deriving a large
portion—about 60 percent—of its annual revenue from selling
insurance products, such as Medigap supplemental drug insurance
policies; selling mail-order prescription drugs; and offering
prescription drug discount cards. It also sells its membership
list to corporations, such as health insurers, and sells
advertising space in its magazine to customers that include
pharmaceutical and insurance companies. It also temporarily
invests insurance premiums paid by its members before they are due
to the insurer. At this point in time membership dues represent
only 29 percent of AARP’s total revenues.1 The insurance-related
portion of the non-member income streams totals at least $161.6
million a year. Much of this income is derived from health
insurance-related activities, from which AARP would stand to gain
many millions of dollars in new income under the Republican
Medicare bill. Maximizing corporate-related income and profits
poses a significant conflict of interest for an organization
trying to represent the best interests of its members.
I never said they don't sell insurance products. Seniors need
insurance - especially health insurance now that Republicans have
decimated their entitlements. You said they make "big bucks" sell
insurance.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to
making life better for people 50 and over. AARP's total revenue in 2003
was $770 million, up 20 percent from 2002. Membership dues of $211
million as well as royalties and service provider management fees of
$300 million continued to be the two largest sources of revenue
supporting AARP programs and services. In addition, investment income
of $60 million was the result of outstanding performance in the equity
and bond markets. AARP's operating expenses totaled $689 million in
2003, an increase of 11 percent over 2002. Additional investments were
made in member services, communication and advocacy activities relating
to the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003. They invest heavily in programs and field
services that directly benefit members and the community‹ a total of
$201 million during 2003, up 18 percent from 2002. These include the
AARP Driver Safety Program, member education, community presence,
volunteer coordination and work against predatory lending. Also
included are two AARP Foundation programs, AARP Tax-Aide and the AARP
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which transitions
low-income people into paid employment. In addition, the AARP Legal
Counsel for the Elderly provides free legal assistance and education to
the elderly, primarily in the District of Columbia.
Yeah - sounds like a sham organization just out to make a buck selling
insurance all right.
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| User: "Pizen" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 04:52:31 PM |
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james g. keegan jr. wrote:
Bert Hyman wrote:
In news:1109013254.067711.119770@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com "james
g. keegan jr." <jgkeegan@gmail.com> wrote:
A New Target for Advisers to Swift Vets
Did you read the article?
How does it in any way support the assertion you made in your
"Subject:" line?
for you to understand that, bert, you'd need to read the article.
i noticed you deleted both the article and the reference to it too.
you must be worried that others will read it too.
here, i'll replace both of them for you.
Nope. The attack is on AARP, not wizened Americans. More frantic
hyperbole. And BTW - AARP needs to get spanked; it has ruled the roost for
too long now.
--
99 FLHRCI
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"
- Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)
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| User: "james g. keegan jr." |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 05:05:57 PM |
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"Pizen" <74dghughey@bellsouth.net> wrote in
news:xytSd.3234$Q47.2498@bignews5.bellsouth.net:
james g. keegan jr. wrote:
Bert Hyman wrote:
In news:1109013254.067711.119770@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com "james
g. keegan jr." <jgkeegan@gmail.com> wrote:
A New Target for Advisers to Swift Vets
Did you read the article?
How does it in any way support the assertion you made in your
"Subject:" line?
for you to understand that, bert, you'd need to read the article.
i noticed you deleted both the article and the reference to it too.
you must be worried that others will read it too.
here, i'll replace both of them for you.
Nope. The attack is on AARP, not wizened Americans. More frantic
hyperbole. And BTW - AARP needs to get spanked; it has ruled the
roost for too long now.
i see you are following bert's leat to misrepreswent events.
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| User: "Lazarus" |
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| Title: Re: swift boat vets to attack senior citizens next |
21 Feb 2005 04:57:05 PM |
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"Pizen" <74dghughey@bellsouth.net> wrote...
The attack is on AARP, not wizened Americans. More frantic hyperbole.
And BTW - AARP needs to get spanked; it has ruled the roost for
too long now.
A fitting payback for endorsing Bush's Medicare "reform" last year, not to
mention endorsing his reelection. Loyalty only goes one way with Bush.
Here is an example of the "spanking" being administered by US Next:
http://www.spectator.org/_ads/2.gif
Self-parody at its finest, I say.
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