Date:    09/18/2000  12:49 PM

Subject: Comments on File No. S7-13-00

As an individual investor who relies on 'independent audits' to report 
on any problems financially or otherwise I must say that this issue 
would be in line with the public disclosure of information.  With the 
SEC's ruling for the individual investor in regard to equal and timely 
distribution of information we have gained an additional step into the 
american dream for everyone.
    As a consultant in computers and aviation and a former member of the
military as a Quality Assurance inspector I have seen first hand the 
problems with activities 'self auditing' their work and documentation. 
It is human nature as well as economically motivational to cover up or 
overlook mistakes in your own departments work.  If our auditors are to 
truly have unfettered and unprejudiced access and overview of finances 
then they cannot have even the hint of self preservation.
    Self preservation and embarrassment avoidance is exactly what will
happen when you have the same company auditing its own work. If 
financial services are contracted out to a company who ultimately audits 
the books how likely are they to highlight or report on even minor 
problems which would possibly threaten the contracted services section 
with fines, remuneration, or even cancellation.
    Auditors must be truly independent and disconnected from the
functions and documentation that they are auditing.  Otherwise not only 
will the individual investor be hurt but so will the economy as a 
whole.  A black hole we must strive diligently to avoid.
     
Thank you.
J. Mark Ripkey