[CW] Some quick thoughts...

[Rich Dailey, N8UX]

Here are a few quick thoughts I'm spilling out while they are fresh in
my head.  No, I'm not jacked up on coffee at 3am.  This has sat on my
email client for a few days as a "cw issue notepad" of sorts.  Thought
others may benefit.  Or maybe you disagree, I dunno. 

***
I think we can all agree that the morse code test provides a measure of
skill, discipline and appreciation for the art and the science of  radio communication,
something that question pools have taken away from the examination process.

***
ARRL membership numbers are dropping fast - over 4000 less in 2002 from
the previous year,  a drop that began after a peak in 1996,  primarily attributed to
the 1991 no-code changes.  This all according to the annual reports.  ARRL has always stated
that increasing membership numbers is a high priority.

Annual reports back to 1996 - http://www.arrl.org/announce/annualreport/

***
No matter how easy a test is,  there will always be those who fail it.  When a
test simplifies itself to allow everyone to pass,  it is no longer a test.

***
A test is a standardized procedure for measuring or evaluating skill or knowledge.  
Reduce the difficulty of the testing procedure in any way,  and you reduce the
minimum required skill and competence level of the licensee,  which violates
every part of the Basis and Purpose of the Amateur Radio Service, with the exception
of (e), as stated per part 97.1, title 47 of the CFR. This is ironically also printed in 
each and every ARRL annual report. The ARRL is putting the emphasis 
on "expansion" and not "trained operators".

Basis and Purpose - http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/pdf/47cfr97.1.pdf


***
If you are an ARRL member (I still am, until April),  it is imperative that we
respond to the ARRL proposal by constructively voicing our disapproval to the
entire BoD,  Haynie and Sumner.  Let them know that you do not agree.

***
When this comes up for FCC comment,  constructively voice your opinion
and your disapproval.  And be sure to mention if you are an ARRL member,
to allow the FCC to see the difference of opinion amongst the membership.

***
We must support and endorse our pro-morse groups.

***
The United States does not have to follow the actions of other IARU member
nations.  We can and do think for ourselves.  We can hold the skill requirements
of our licensees to a higher standard,  there is nothing wrong with that.  This is more
important than increasing League membership numbers. A proposal
must be formed and submitted to the FCC indicating that we are concerned with the
deterioration of skill and technical competence in the Amateur Radio service, and the
detrimental effects that this ARRL proposal would usher in.


zut de Rich
N8UX