Re: conflict of interest

[National Dialogue Moderator <moderator>]

Michael Steele asked about the role of the Prudential Foundation
in the present National Dialogue on Social Security.  The
following statements from Prudential describe the role of
their Foundation, in general, and their role in the National
Dialogue, in particular.

   "The Prudential Foundation is an independent philanthropic entity
   funded by the Prudential Insurance Company of America.  Founded in
   1977, the Foundation has contributed more than $250 million to
   non-profit and community groups nationwide, supporting a wide range
   of causes that help build children's and families' self-sufficiency
   and foster healthy communities."

   "The Prudential Insurance Company of America does not play a role
   in determining the content of this online dialogue.  Prudential
   believes strongly that a discussion on all aspects of Social Security
   is important to educate individuals, public policy leaders, and
   companies, like Prudential, to better understand the elements of
   this debate.  A dialogue like this will help everyone involved
   develop informed positions around this critical public policy issue."

Information Renaissance does not advocate any particular
position in the debate on Social Security reform and has
created the present Website to facilitate discussion of
this topic.  A particular interest of Information Renaissance
is to facilitate the interaction of members of the general
public with policy experts and legislators who will write
the reform legislation itself.  To that end we encourage
the broad expression of views on the subject.

The roundtables which have been formed for the upcoming
weeks of the National Dialogue were created in an effort
to provide a balanced discussion of the issues, as have
been the materials supplied through our Website.  There
is an opportunity for groups not currently represented on
the site to add their statements, and the public discussion
is open to all.

Thanks again for your participation.  The breadth of views
that you represent are what will ensure the fairness of
the debate conducted in this forum.

Bob Carlitz, moderator