[Elecraft] Old Skills

[kbgluxford]

I have been partially following the thread on the elimination of the 
requirement for Morse code proficiency in the U.S., and the comments on 
the changing of the guard in your FCC.

Down here, things seem to be going in a similar direction.  The monetary 
bottom line and political pressure seem often to take precedence over 
basic technical feasibility, let alone common sense and faithfulness to 
international treaties.

All I can say is, "Keep up your old skills, guys, you never know when 
they might be needed."

I believe the following is true (I got it third or fourth hand).  Some 
years ago, the authorities indicated that hams would not be so heavily 
relied upon for emergency communications, "Because all of our officers 
now have cell phones."  Then came the devastating New South Wales bush 
fires.  Guess what!  The dense smoke rendered the cell phone system 
practically inoperable in some vital areas.

And as it is almost the night before Christmas, I wish all people of 
every faith and none a peaceful and rejuvenating holiday and a 
prosperous New Year.

73
Kevin
VK3DAP / ZL2DAP