[CW] Another viewpoint

[Bruce Shaw]

I belong to this list because I enjoy cw and want to see others do the same.
I also support the ARRL in their recent proposal.  Why?
1.  I first got interested in amateur radio at age 8 or 9.  I got my first
license 40 years later because my perception of the test process was that it
was too difficult.  (I had no one to elmer me at the time.)
2.  Four months after passing my tech exam I passed the 5 wpm cw test to get
my tech plus.  I found out that I was most attracted to cw even though it is
a struggle for me.  After passing my general class theory test I failed 13
wpm twice!  Were it not for restructuring I would never have been a general
class.
3.  I passed my extra class exam after studying the study guides for about
10-12 hrs a day for 2 weeks.
4.  I am active in the local amateur radio scene.  I have served as
president of our local club, taught several tech classes and am an ARRL
sponsored VE.  These platforms have all given me the opportunity to promote
CW (even though I still only can do about 15 wpm on a good day).
5.  If I still had to go take a test a the FCC office etc as in the past, I
would probably not be a ham and would not have the opportunity to promote
CW.
6. My final point.  Making entry into ham radio reasonable will sell more
radios.  If the major radio mfrs sell more radios they will be in a stronger
position, along with the ARRL to protect the existing spectrum.  As to
modes, phone will most likely always be more visible.  It needs to be to
feed the public's perception of amateur radio as an emergency service and
hence deserving of the bands.  With no spectrum, CW ops will have no place
to operate either.  I believe we would do ourselves well, not to criticize
the ARRL, but to say we will support whatever decisions the board needs to
make to preserve amateur radio and here's what we want in exchange for the
support.

72/73
Bruce Shaw
AG4NY
Snow Camp NC

QRP-ARCI # 10242, QRP-L # 2192, FISTS # 6911, Flying Pigs QRP Club # - 89

 It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the
pure in heart want to.
                                    ... C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)

'He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.'
Jim Elliot, martyred missionary