[ARRL-OK] To CW or Not to CW, Is that the question?

[Dean Feken]

Ok Guys, here's one amateur radio operators opinion;

  1.. I empathize with the old timers position on the code, as they have
worked hard to achieve proficiency in that mode.
  2.. I also agree with the comments that CW is just another mode that is
now approaching the end of its useful life.
  3.. I STRONGLY agree with the comment that testing should be more
rigorous.
There is and should be a place in Amateur Radio for all of our interests, be
it CW, PSK31, Packet, or whatever. However, Amateur Radio has to grow. This
means that we have to be willing to grow. New modes offer the challenges and
opportunities for that growth. By placing arbitrary CW requirements on
prospective amateurs we limit the technical growth that we could otherwise
achieve.

What is of greater concern, is the Amateur who has managed to pass exams by
rote memorization. I know a number of individuals that have reached Amateur
Extra using this technique. The Amateur Extra was at one time reached by the
amateur who could demonstrate a higher level technical competence. Today
there are individuals who hold the once coveted Amateur Extra who can't tune
a simple antenna or program their handheld. In some cases these people are
training new operators how to pass the exams using the same technique. This
is why I believe testing should be comprehensive and rigorous.

Finally, those who "takes shots" at the ARRL just don't get it. The league
works very hard at protecting our spectrum, our privileges, and our
service - hobby - avocation. Without the efforts of these hardworking
individuals the argument about code vs. no code would be moot. We wouldn't
have bands to operate in.

Respectfully

Dean Feken KL7MA