Date:    02/03/2000  12:38 PM

Subject: Comments on NYSE Rule 431, File Number SR-NYSE-99-47

Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 
File Number SR-NYSE-99-47 
     
Sirs, 
     
I would like to comment on the NYSE Rule 431 proposal.  It seems to me, an 
investor and a trader, that the proposed rule changes are completely 
misguided.  The stated intent is to protect the "pattern trader" from himself 
by limiting his margin.  Restricting those that have an account value below a 
certain amount ($25,000.00) is not only discriminatory but pointless.  How 
does having a larger portfolio predict ones ability to survive in a volatile 
market?  Requiring someone able to fund his account to $25,000.00 just to 
participate, (possibly using the bulk of his savings) is ridiculous.  This 
person, who for no other reason than having saved longer, is given more rope 
to hang himself.
     
The answer, gentlemen, is education.
     
David Pittman
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida