From: JamesStehr@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2002 11:18 AM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: File No. S7-25-99

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Please know that I fully support and applaud the position of the Financial 
Planning Association AGAINST your Proposed Rule "Certain Broker-Dealers 
Deemed NOT to be Investment Advisors" currently pending your approval.

This rule is a trend in the WRONG direction.

Far too many consumers of investment advisory services fail to appreciate the 
subtle distinction between the motives and regulations of brokers and 
advisors.  Exactly this weakness in our system cost me $20,000 of loss to bad 
product sold to me by an over-zealous broker also offering me investment 
advice.

Change your course.  Strengthen the distinction between advisors and brokers. 
 Don't weaken it further.

Sincerely,

James A. Stehr, AIA
Alameda CA
jamesstehr@aol.com