Chairman Christopher Cox
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, NE
Washington, DC 20549-1090
September 26, 2007
Dear Chairman Cox:
I'm writing to request that you protect the right of investors to file shareholder resolutions and urge you to take no action on the proposed initiatives that would curtail or eliminate this essential right.
Shareholder resolutions are an invaluable tool for investors who want to make their voices heard with regard to the direction of their companies. Shareholder resolutions have helped to promote transparency and improve corporate governance and performance. They have called attention to critical issues, including global warming, nuclear power, sweatshops, executive compensation, natural resource extraction, and other major societal and environmental problems that, when not addressed, often end up costing shareholders and their companies as a result of lawsuits, damaged reputations, consumer boycotts, public protests, and low staff morale.
The many corporate scandals of recent years highlight how important it is to have more, not less, corporate transparency and accountability. Shareholder resolutions have proven effective in holding companies accountable to their owners. I ask that the commission safeguard, not undermine, their use.
THIS COUNTRY IS STILL A DEMOCRACY! THE PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD! THE "CHECKS AND BALANCES" BUILT INTO THE CONSTITUTION NEED TO BE APPLIED TO BUSINESSES IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. THAT IS IN 2 WAYS. SHAREHOLDERS ARE OWNERS, SO THEY CAN TELL THE DIRECTORS THEIR OPINIONS. ALSO, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO PUT LIMITS ON THE PAY AND BONUSES OF THE "TOP DOGS" WHO WILL STEAL THE RETIREMENT MONEY OF THE ORDINARY WORKERS, AS WELL AS PROFITS THAT SHOULD GO TO THE SHAREHOLDERS.
Thank you for your attention to my comments.
Sincerely,
Dorothy O'Brien