AARP Member
Offline
Background
Name: Douglas
Birthday: February 9
Gender: Male
Status: Married
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Location:
MISSOULA, Montana
United States
School:
University of Montana, Missoula
Work:
Retired, but freelancing as a writer/blogger. (No, it doesn't pay very well)
Hometown(s):
Great Falls and Missoula, Montana
spent 17 years in San Diego, CA
Quote:
If you are fortunate enough to live in Montana, you are fortunate enough. Love is what we are born with; Fear is what we learn.

About Me

Retired Naval Officer; retired municipal government employee (City of Missoula)

Interests:
Writing, (and blogging), photography, golf, flyfishing, camping, hiking, reading, yoga

My Photos (11)

My Videos (0)

This user does not have any videos.

My Journals (3)

 

INDEPENDENCE is certainly a concept that goes beyond a holiday, a day off from work, a day for picnics and parades and fireworks.

Besides the fact that July 4th represents our country’s “birth,” our severance from ”Mother England," and the oppressive nature of that colonial relationship, INDEPENDENCE represents for each and every one of the citizens of this country the FREEDOMs and RIGHTs that we guaranteed ourselves by Constitutional Amendments that were ratified by the several states as part of the agreement to accept the new Constitution drafted by the Convention in Philadelphia back in 1787-88.

Those FREEDOMs and RIGHTs are put to the test DAILY when it comes to Aging Americans and their LIFESTYLES. What expectations do you have of a decent retirement, of a decent standard of living, of a decent level of medical care, of a decent quality of life, of a decent dignity in death, and a decent burial?

I believe it is our continuing responsibility as active older Americans to remind this generation, and the next, and the one coming after that, of the very real obligations they carry toward their elders and that we are to be honored, not endured; that we are a blessing to them, not a burden.

I say it is Our responsibility because we, as active older Americans still have a voice, and we can demand to be heard. I’ve heard that one out of every four voters (people who actually VOTE) are members of AARP. There is tremendous strength in those numbers, and we have the power to positively affect the way we (and our descendents) are treated and cared for in America for decades to come.

Let’s be united. Let’s ensure that our own INDEPENDENCE is respected and guaranteed.
 

Added: July 2, 2008
Views: 12 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
AARPMT says:
Doug, you have some great photos on your website and looks like you have a number of great interests. FYI. We are having a Community Conversation for thr Future in Missoula on June 16th at 5:30 PM, Wingate by Wynham, 5252 Airway Blvd.

The event is for people to share concerns and ideas about financial security and health care. Call toll-free to register 1-877-926-8300.

Feel free to share with others and there is not cost to attend!

Best wishes! Bob

Posted: June 4, 2008 7:25PM EDT
AARPMT says:
Welcome to the website! We are busy making this connect to our members useful and hope you have a chance to review the updates we have included on our webpage. Bob
Posted: May 9, 2008 3:16PM EDT
DougKueffler says:
I'm glad to become an active member of the AARP community online. I really think AARP is a great organization and the website is really good too. Doug
Posted: June 4, 2008 3:39PM EDT
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