Messrs. Becker and McDonnell may find this hard to believe, but there are some pretty smart CEO's and board members in this business who have chosen private share insurance because it was the best option for their members, their credit union and their particular situation. I'm still trying to understand why NAFCU and its largest dues paying member have taken it upon themselves to save credit unions from all that is evil by bad-mouthing private insurance. Did the idea originate with Navy FCU, and NAFCU is simply helping them carry the ball? Is it an attempt to enhance the federal charter by eliminating an option for state charters? Are they trying to cause concern in the minds of members belonging to privately insured credit unions? Whatever the reason, publicly criticizing private share insurance based on personal opinion or one historical event is both irresponsible and dangerous. I don't even want to state the worst-case scenario that could result from this kind of self-serving rhetoric. Show me some hard data that says we're playing it loose in the safety and soundness area and I'll certainly consider going back to federal insurance. That's hard data, not personal opinions. I'm not suggesting that private insurance is the answer for all eligible credit unions, but I am suggesting that credit unions should have the option to do what's best for their situation. In my opinion, having options translates to future growth, and I'm glad that most of our true industry leaders are looking to the future rather than dwelling on the past. Gene Roberts CEO Financial 21 Community CU San Diego, Calif. P.S. Publisher Mike Welch is right..their timing is lousy.