Certifying a New Image for Accountants

Regarding “Accounting: It’s a Brave New World” (Feb. 6): I am a retired accountant. Despite my serving as a sergeant in the infantry during the Korean War, my image with my grandchildren has always suffered due to my profession.

To make matters worse, I’m bald and wear glasses. Also, I have to admit that my wardrobe has always had a slightly worn look and I still carry a 6-inch ruler and a fountain pen in my vest pocket.

However, ever since [former Arthur Andersen auditor] David Duncan and his fellows have begun appearing on TV and in newspapers, with their custom-tailored suits and expensive haircuts, my stock with my grandchildren has started to rise. The editorial comment that accompanies their pictures has caused my grandchildren to start thinking of me not as an old fud, but more as a New Age man on the cutting edge of “where it’s at now.”

However, there is a downside to all this acclaim. This evening I went over to look at a tomato-red convertible with a V6 engine. Fortunately, I caught myself before I spent $30,000 of my own money on such frivolity.

SIGMUND S. COHEN

Woodland Hills