An Open Letter to President George W. Bush, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congressman Maurice Hinchey:

We, senior citizens of Sullivan County in New York State, feel that we were betrayed by AARP and we have now been abandoned by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is the supposed watchdog against discrimination relative to equal opportunity in the workplace.

Although we fought hard against the insertion of “Section 631” in the Medicare Reform Act and were successful through our Congressional delegates, the EEOC has adopted a regulation, considered a final rule, which will allow employers to reduce and/or eliminate medical coverage for those 65 and older either employed or retired. (Section 631 was a similar provision.)

We consider this the height of discrimination and a breach of contract for those who were promised retiree coverage.

We respectfully request our Congressional delegation to enact legislation to suppress this rule and the President of the United States to support that legislation.

Josephine Campanaro, secretary

Senior Legislative Action Committee of Sullivan County

Ferndale, NY