I have been dismayed and a bit disappointed in the letters recently published in Credit Union Times questioning the need for reforming the abuse of bankruptcy. Like many others in the credit union movement, I was also disappointed that Congress turned a deaf ear to the need for reform. The bill that was before them, like its predecessors, was a reasonable attempt to stop convenience bankruptcies, while at the same time preserving credit union reaffirmations and mandating financial education for those who are having difficulty. The fact that we did not get reform this year does not mean that the problem has gone away. To the contrary, we continue to see an increase in the total number of bankruptcies, and unfortunately, continuing abuse. I am looking out the window at our parking lot with seven repossessed vehicles from members that have abused the current bankruptcy law. The rest of our members are paying for the abuse. Therefore, we need to make every effort to ensure that bankruptcy abuse legislation is passed. I could not support legislation that takes away people's access to the protection of bankruptcy if they need it. But bankruptcy cannot be a financial planning tool, and I remain strongly supportive of any efforts by CUNA at the national level to get real bankruptcy reform. Sandy Lingerfelt CEO Clinchfield FCU Erwin, Tennessee