America is truly the epitome of diversity. We have recently experienced the very best in humankind as exemplified by the ultimate sacrifice of all of the heroes of the emergency services and the many civilians - just ordinary folk - who gave their lives in the monumental rescue effort on Sept. 11. Then, of course, we have the worst as exemplified by the terrorists.

In a different vein, there is yet another aspect of the "worst" and that is the height of greed and selfish disregard of fiduciary responsibility illustrated in the recent debacles of Enron and Lucent Technologies where top corporate officers secretly "cashed out" and sumptuously profited, while concealing their mismanagement, thus betraying their employees, shareholders and public trust.

It's high time that in trying to set a good example for the rest of the world, we stress the values that make America truly great and take some definitive steps in our personal behavior and perhaps, through prudent business oversight and regulation to minimize "lowlife" behavior in high places.

Herman P. Wiegand