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

[John W W Brassfield]

Good evening folks - 

I have read many responses supporting both sides and feel I should ad my
2 cents - 

I was first exposed to the hobby thru a friends dad - Jim K5PER, back in
the 60's.  My highschool had an electronics class and a radio club with
plans to build a ham station.  Many of us listened to records trying to
learn the code - to little success.  For the next 20 years, I could pick
a CQ or SOS out of any speed of cw, but the rest of the code was a blur. 
About 13 years ago, my neighbor, Jerry N5MAY, encouraged me to attend
license classes sponsored by the South Canadian ARC in Norman.

Personally, I had to work hard to learn the code.  By learning the code
to obtain my license, I met a world of friends, been active in the
leadership of local & state ham organizations and activities as well as
the emergency service part of the hobby.  

The code is an integral part of the history of the hobby and in serious
situations, may be the only mode to communicate nation or world wide. 
With the 5wpm current requirement, at least everyone has a familiarity
with CW and its use.  Keep the code.

73 all
John N5SAM

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