Letters.

THE HAVOC-WREAKING INTERNET

To the Editor:

John Graham is to be commended for his insightful essay on how the Internet is playing havoc with every business (CE: Dec. 1999). As he astutely observes, transformation of transactions processes, economics, and timing threaten the very fundamentals of traditional business models. And, his incisive commentary is a refreshing departure from those misinformed commentators who assert that the Internet renders irrelevant the places and spaces in which businesses operate.

Too seldom recognized is the reality that every electronic communication originates from a person at one place and is sent to a person at another place, and often triggers the need to move goods and services from purchaser to seller. Today, advances in telecommunications, information, and transportation technologies allow people and enterprises to be ever more choiceful about the locations of their places and the configurations of their spaces. Those CEOs and directors who understand this, can realize extraordinary competitive advantage. Those who do not, place their enterprises' destiny at grave risk.

Stephen E. Roulac

Chief Executive

The Roulac Group

San Rafael, CA

CRUEL AND

UNUSUAL COLUMN

To the Editor:

The commentary by columnist Deroy Murdock ("Non-Profit Non Sequiturs," CE: Nov. 1999) was stonehearted, narrow, and selfish, reflective of a spirit and mindset too prevalent in this waning century.

Let us hope and pray a majority of CEOs have a broader and more compassionate perspective, and will spread discretionary funds around to help right the wrongs in our society, as well as seek often unfair advantage for their companies.

William H. Rentschler

Chairman

R.L. Kaiser Co.

Lake Forest, IL

DOWN WITH PLATITUDES

To the Editor:

I find it interesting that former Governor Roy Romer of Colorado was featured in your recent report on education reform (CE: Nov. 1999). He was the chief executive of a state that ranks 48th in the country in spending per student. I have difficulty digesting these platitudes from an individual who had the opportunity to make a real difference but did not do so.

Mr. Romer speaks out against vouchers. The business community is based on competiton and free enterprise. If it is to be involved in improving education, there is an espectation that the founding principles of competiton will apply. The strong, progressive, innovative companies survive. Why shouldn't it be the same for all the schools?

My 5th and 6th grade children are enrolled in a private school where there are no limits on the expectations for the children. That probably explains why in standardized national tests, they perform at the high school level. Although I should take pride in this fact and be pleased, I am concerned that it speaks to the "lowering of the bar" for education in America.

It is time for politicians to stop with the platitudes, take some risk, and be innovative with education. Once this happens you are much more likely to see business involved.

Paul C. Kelly

President

Particle Measuring Systems

Boulder, CO