From: Rick Farrington [ref@teleport.com]
Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 11:17 AM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: (s7-23-03) Short Sales proposed rule,

I would like to commend you for letting us express our views on the proposed 
rules that are finally being addressed concerning short sales of stocks.  For 
too long this has been overlooked by the SEC and other self governing bodies 
or just swept under the carpet.  Taking advantage of the small investor has 
to stop.  

The proposed rule changes are a good starting point but need to do more to 
address trade settlement issues.  There needs to be consequences for trade 
settlement imbalances other just slap on the wrists or small fines when the 
results of the actions make millions and millions off the backs of the small 
investors.  We need to have time specific rules that say that after T-3 the 
shares have to be settled on both sides.  Not just the buyer but the seller 
also.  Electronic entries make it ripe for corruption.

You have a chance here to right a wrong that has been happening since the SEC 
first came out and said it was a problem in 1999.  Lets not let this go any 
further without leveling the playing field for all investors.
 
Thank You
Rick Farrington