[CW] Write FCC, ARRL

[Jim Glover]

Chip N1IR raises a very important point:

> On a related note, let's assume a scenario where the CW  requirement is 
> dropped, and the non-phone subbands are being reconsidered. Ask yourself: what mode 
> allocation of those sub-bands would be best served by emergency 
> communication?
> 
> CW is great and CW is efficient in bandwidth, but most folks fail to 
> appreciate its value in modern times.

I think careful consideration of this point is in order.  The fact is,
for what might be called "routine" emergencies these days, CW's role
is at best, limited.  The real value of CW as an emergency tool would
become apparent in the event of the sort of occurrence that goes beyond
a mere "emergency" and beyond even a disaster--an actual bona fide 
catastrophe.  With any luck, we won't have one of those in my lifetime
or yours, but in the long run, catastrophes do occur, and they will
occur again.  It's part of what amateur radio should be prepared for,
even if we hope things never get bad enough that the occasional ham
who really knows and can use CW scattered around among the survivors
would make a big difference.

CW's greatest value won't be as an emergency tool under most normal
circumstances.  CW's greatest value is that it promotes amateur radio
accomplishments which increase the value of amateur radio for some of
the most talented and devoted of hams.  It promotes homebrewing,
international goodwill, and various innovative techniques.  Because
it can pave operations for those who must get by with low power 
and/or a compromise antenna, it helps keep deserving hams involved
with amateur radio.  It helps some hams get a simple, low-cost start
in amateur radio.  Amateur radio as an overall service is enhanced by
the promotion of CW.  Indirectly, the enhancement of the amateur radio
service improves emergency preparedness.

(For more gushing about the value of CW, see this web page:)

http://www.qsl.net/wb5ude/whycw.html

We can't just state that CW is good for emergency communication.  In
most cases, it is of little or no direct importance.  We can try to 
make the case that CW can be a valuable communications tool in some
of the worst imaginable emergencies, but many will remain unconvinced,
in the grand old human tradition of "but nothing that bad will actually
happen" or a preference to give up and accept a fate of doom in the
event of the worst imaginable catastrophes.  Perhaps we should focus
instead on spreading the word about the value of CW in everyday amateur
radio activities.

Amateur radio is a richer, more effective, and more robust service
thanks to the value of CW.  It is for this reason that everyone
should support policies that promote CW.  That is what we need to help
everyone understand.

73,
Jim  WB5UDE
wb5ude@qsl.net