Has AARP crossed the line in aiding and abetting exposure for sexual abuse of the elderly -- the very age group they address daily with good information?

Bill Novelli is CEO of AARP, a membership organization of 40 million people age 50 and older, half of whom remain actively employed.  AARP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all as we age.

The crime of elder abuse is rapidly gaining the attention of society, policymakers, and law enforcement. As gatekeepers to the criminal justice system, local prosecutors have a crucial role to play in fighting elder abuse. Nevertheless, protecting our elderly is becoming a passion for many of us.  Maybe it’s too late for an estimated yearly 487,000 senior citizens who have already become victims of scams, sexual exploitation, various crimes, or predators, but we can do a tremendous amount of good as we work together to stop future elder abuse.

The latest source of exposure for elder abuse is located on page 35 of the January/February 2009 Bulletin (and Magazine) of AARP, where Sinclair Institute is allowed a full page ad for books and videos on enjoying the best sex life. "While sex for the married elderly is healthy or a good thing, exposure to pornography is not," notes CfD.

Sinclair is hoping to prime-the-pump for the addiction to pornography in its publication "Sex, it's never too late to Learn something new," a paid full page ad by Sinclair. They want more money from those who become addicted.. "Couples who watch together not only LEARN from what they see, but often report that the videos themselves are on "instant aprodisiasc. That's because they show REAL couples demonstrating the joys of REAL lovemaking," states Centers for Decency.

When AARP returned our call, Michell Alavarez (Press MGR) had no idea if the products advertised were pornographic in nature or not for the Sinclair Institute, but later emailed CfD excuses coming from Sinclair, instead -- hoping to maintain good relations. Selling the full page ad appears more important to AARP than protecting their millions of members from the exposure of the downward spirial to hardcore pornographic abuse, because AARP denies any knowledge of wrong because of a number of other publications who publish the smut, which -- do not have as their mission to enhance the quality of life for all as we age. In fact, AARP's Michelle Alvarez notes their policing reviews each advertiser who must pass policing authority testings for publication. Are these the same policing authorities whose victims of rape will only call police 23% of the time? Recent studies have shown that one out-of-four elderly persons over 50 have been abused.

AARP has exposed their members to risk while viewing pornographic material which leads to an addiction. The Sinclair Institute's website BetterSex.com is listed on the AARP page(s) and is a cover for hardcore pornography. Ms. Alvarez only speaks to the Sinclair website of www.SinclairInstitute.com which is also off the charts for the downward spiral into pornography and hard pornography, and not on the advertised page(s).

Bob Peters, attorney with Morality in Media conveys his archives on Phil Harvey with the Sinclair Institute reveals he is also the master mind of Adam & Eve (hardcore pornography), BetterSex.com (cover for pornography) and more. Peters also suggested Harvey could be under investigation for obscenity violations. Robert Peters further advised CfD he was sending an open letter to AARP requesting that they refuse Sinclair Institute future advertisements because of health, and safety reasons for readers of AARP bulletin over 50 years of age, as Peters' archives indicate investigation on other Phil Harvey/Sinclair involvement. Centers for Decency reporting.

1st Email from AARP- 1-14-09 at 3:10 PM:

Karen --- thank you for your patience and allowing me a few minutes to get some background information on my end regarding your inquiry on the advertisement for the Sinclair Institute appearing in our recent AARP Bulletin. If you felt the ad was objectionable, that was not our intent. AARP's Advertising Resources and Policies Department researches all ads prior to acceptance in AARP publications and does a thorough background on each of its advertisers. The department also maintains a list of customer service personnel at each company who can be reached if complaints are received. Please let me know if you’d like this information and I’d be happy to get it to you. The department's customer service representative personally fields each call, email and letter to ensure that every member receives the best possible service. Your input about our advertisers is important to us. We have made note of your comments and will pass this information along to our Advertising Resources and Policies Department.

The Sinclair Institute offers sexual health videos for adults who want to improve the quality of intimacy in their relationships. Since 1991, Sinclair has developed therapeutic videos that foster communication between partners, in the privacy of their own homes, and address topics many may find difficult to discuss. Sinclair understands the need for quality sexual health education and support and works with a diverse team of health care professionals and professional therapists. They are committed to helping couples overcome barriers that can affect the quality of their relationships. If you need additional information on their products, please go to www.sinclairinstitute.com.

Best,
Michelle

****************************************
Michelle Alvarez

Sr. Manager, AARP Media Relations
Publications, Entertainment & Productions
(202) 434.2555 - office
(202) 390.0032 - blackberry
malvarez@aarp.org

601 E St. NW

A9-610

Washington, DC 20049

2nd Email from AARP - 1-14-09 at 3:39 PM:

I also wanted to make note that Sinclair also advertises its products in many fine periodicals in addition to the AARP Bulletin and AARP The Magazine.  In 2008, some of those included The New York Times, The Wall St. Journal, USA Today, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, TV Guide, Woman’s Day and The Family Handyman. 

Thanks
Michelle

****************************************
Michelle Alvarez

Sr. Manager, AARP Media Relations
Publications, Entertainment & Productions
(202) 434.2555 - office
(202) 390.0032 - blackberry
malvarez@aarp.org

601 E St. NW

A9-610

Washington, DC 20049

Opinions expressed in 'Perspectives' columns published by CentersForDecency.org are the sole responsibility of the article's author(s), or of the person(s) or organization(s) quoted therein, and do not necessarily represent those of the staff or management of, or advertisers who support the CfD.  If you wish to contact CfD - call 713-266-2715 or write: 1415 South Voss Road, #110-393, Houston, Texas 77057.  We also appreciate your Comments@CentersForDecency.Org.