Paul Gentile's column of Nov. 22, 2006 on defining "modestmeans" is correct, but not strong enough. NCUA and the variouscredit union trade associations are spending far too much time andmoney talking about the creation of credit union legislation in the1930s. What other type of financial organizations spend timedefending their right to exist based on the 1930s? We have allowedthe banks to define the debate on what credit unions should orshould not do. We should honor our past and stay true to ourprinciples, but we must look forward not backward. The real issueis not service to members of "modest means". The real issue is thenear- and long- term financial viability of the credit unions. NCUAshould be focused on improving and rationalizing the regulatoryenvironment and increasing competitiveness of credit unions. If theNCUA wants to spend the resources for an annual study of creditunions, how about an annual report on competitiveness? The focuscould be on what the NCUA did to improve credit unions via moreflexible or reduced regulations. Patrick M. McPharlin President/CEOMichigan State University FCU East Lansing, Mich.