[ARRL-OK] KEEP THE CODE? Not!

[Nate Bargmann]

* Wayne AA5JJ <aa5jj@yahoo.com> [2003 Jul 16 21:25 -0500]:
> The only ones that want to get ride of the code is NO
> CODE EXTRAS........................

I don't believe there are enough "NO CODE EXTRAS" left to make a
difference.

If my recollection of history is correct the only time a code exam was
not required for an Amateur Radio Operator's License was was back in the
beginning around 1912 or so.  At that time a license and call were
available for the simple act of filling out the application.  Some time
later the institution of examination for such a license was put in
place.  Not many of those "NO CODE EXTRAS" are left in our ranks, I'm
afraid.

If, instead, you are refering to those who obtained their Amateur Extra
after April 15, 2000 then you, sir, are demonstrating your ignorance 
amongst other attributes.  The fact is that every licensed radio amateur 
since at least the early twenties, and perhaps before, has passed at 
least one code examination.  What has varied is the degree of 
proficiency required to pass a given exam for a given set of priveleges
and has been changed many times over the years. 

Your elitist remark against those that have met the current licensing 
requirements is completely uncalled for in this forum or elsewhere the
general public has access to our dirty laundry.

What happens to the code requirement is irrelevant to the quality of
operators on the bands--past, present, and future.

That said, it is certainly your right as an ARRL member to voice your
opinion to the section and division leadership and, as a U.S. citizen,
the FCC.  Please be more polite, complete, and well reasoned in your 
correspondence with them.

73, de Nate >>

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