An outdated concern?I read your First Look e-mail (for the Feb. 26-March 18, 2007, issue) and I am shocked. The article on diversity ("The profession changes - but is it enough?" page 1) should have been pulled and the author blacklisted from your publication.
The statement, "There probably isn't a woman or minority CPA in public accounting who can't recall an instance of clients expressing concern over non-white, non-males being assigned to their engagement" is the kind of rubbish usually associated with race hustlers and feminist kooks. It is so obvious that the author has an agenda that it is laughable.
This is 2007, not 1947. Get a grip and stop reinforcing absolute race and gender biases that vanished from the business world decades ago. I am not saying that race or gender discrimination does not occur, but to make such a broad generalization is ridiculous and only perpetuates the problem.
Scott S. Anderson, CPA, MBA
Arthur F. Bell Jr. & Associates LLC
Hunt Valley, Md.
Call it what it is!
Re: "KPMG emerges from tax-shelter nightmare" (Feb. 12-25, 2007, page 5): Give it a break.
The headline should have read "KPMG pays biggest bribe in history to U.S. Justice Department to avoid criminal prosecution."
KPMG should have had their day in court just like Arthur Andersen. Put enough of the corrupted public accounting firms out of business, [and] maybe one that understands honesty and integrity will emerge.
Gordon L. Cannoles, CPA/PFS
Pantego, Texas
