July 23, 2007
Dear Chairman Cox: With all due respect, how can the restriction or elimination of advisory resolutions even be considered? We are the stockholders. We own the company. It's hard enough for shareholders to have an influence or get any response as it is now. I urge you to drop the suggested proposal curtailing investors' right to file advisory resolutions under Rule 14a-8. Advisory resolutions have proven to be a highly effective way to get management's attention on issues that matter to shareholders. They help to promote improved corporate governance, greater accountability, and more meaningful disclosure. They are a source of important new ideas, and often serve as the starting point for productive dialogue with companies. As an investor, I know that the right of shareholders - even small shareholders - to propose these resolutions has helped the companies I own to become better companies. Restricting or eliminating advisory shareholder resolutions would be a disastrous step backwards. Please let me know what action you intend to take on this issue. Yours sincerely, John Hinckley John Hinckley