Date:    08/30/2000  2:38 PM

Subject: Reference File No. S7-13-00

Dear Madam / Sir:
     
I am writing to you to voice my support for the SEC's Proposed Rule 
Governing Auditor Independence.  First, let me say that I am a long-standing 
member of the AICPA, and I am appalled by that organization's very vocal 
opposition to the proposal.  The AICPA is clearly being man-handled by the 
Big-5 accounting firms, who want to ensure that they are allowed to continue 
selling non-attest services to its audit clients.
     
I have worked in a public accounting firm, running a subsidiary company that 
provided outsourced accounting services.  I can tell you that trying to 
follow the AICPA's guidelines, governing what functions could or could not 
be performed for attest clients, was absurd.  New, definitive governance is 
a must.  Since the AICPA was unable to do this on its own, it is incumbent 
upon the SEC to make it happen.  One need only look at the MicroStrategy 
situation to understand the importance of implementing these guidelines. 
That company's incestuous relationship with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (which 
amazingly enough, continues to this day), is a case study in a CPA firm not 
knowing when to stop.  The audit firm must be completely independent if we, 
as investors, stand any chance of making informed decisions about SEC 
registrants.  
     
Please ignore all the negative correspondence you're sure to receive from 
rubber-stamping, Big-5 members of the AICPA and do what's right for all in 
the accounting profession -- make your proposal into law!
     
Mark R. McNamee