The recent passing of Louis Rukeyser made me reflect on a meeting I had with him some 16 years ago. Mr. Rukeyser was a graduate of New Rochelle High School. New Rochelle is the hometown of my alma mater Iona College. A friend put us in touch and we discussed the state of the recent (at that time) bankers attacks on the credit union industry. The conversation resulted in a story in his syndicated column. Boy, the more things change the more they stay the same. Louis spoke of "the coming collision" between banks and credit unions. However, it seems like those collisions keep coming and coming. I guess the reality is that it does not seem like there will ever be a conclusion to this debate. A real sad commentary for what should be a more civilized conversation on what is best for the consumer. Thomas J. Powers Jr. CEO & General Manager Hudson River Teachers FCU Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.