Subject: File No. S7-25-99
From: Timothy L Rowland, CFP

September 7, 2004

I ask that you rescind the Merrill Lynch Rule in its entirety. As a former stock broker and now a financial planner, who is a registered investment advisor, I ask for an even playing field. The consumers that I meet with are confused and frustrated. It is time to update the law and regulations to reflect todays investment environment. Consumers deserve to know that all providers of investment products and advice are regulated by the same standards. Thank you for your consideration. Timothy Rowland