Date:    1/5/98  1:54 PM
Subject: rule S7-25-97 (the stockholder gag rule)
     
     I'm writing to tell you that I oppose the stockholder gag rule (rule
S7-25-97) currently under consideration. 
     Stockholders, who, after all, own the corporations, MUST be free to
bring up any topic for consideration, debate and vote at stockholder 
meetings.  I am particularly disturbed that many of the stockholder motions 
you plan to outlaw are ones that do and will have a significant effect on 
women and minorities.  This is simply not acceptable.  The right to bring 
motions and provide information on issues including fair employment 
practices (such as sex and race discrimination and harassment) need to be 
protected and encouraged to insure safe and fair employment practices. 
These topics cannot be barred from stockholders' attention.  
     Similarly, it is essential to the well being of workers everywhere
that questions on gender balancing boards, the use of child labor, etc. be 
raised in stockholder meetings so that employees, investors and customers 
have the information and leverage to force corporations to clean up their 
acts when corporations refuse or hesitate to act on their own.
     Thank you for your attention.  
     
                                        Kathryn Mason
                                        153 Barren Rd.
                                        Media PA 19063