[Fists] garbage, etc.

[ATanner283@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/30/2003 7:28:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
kb6nu@w8pgw.org writes:

> I may be the only Fists member that doesn't see dropping the Morse code
> requirement as bringing an end to amateur radio.
> 
> I do find much of the W5YI petition self-serving and just plain silly, but
> I'd suggest instead that you guys read the NoCode International petition.
> It's much better written, and to be honest, I really can't argue with it.
> There's really no compelling argument, in my humble opinion, to retain this
> requirement. And while we can complain that "five wpm is easy," that's
> really no reason to retain it.
> 
> Let's face facts. Now that the international treaty requirement is gone,
> there's no way that the FCC is going to continue to require it.
> 
> I'd suggest that instead of all this wailing and gnashing of teeth, we begin
> a program to get the no-code licensees interested in CW and started using
> it. I don't know exactly what this program will include or how we go about
> it, but thinking about it and talking about it is certainly a better use of
> our energies than complaining about the no-code movement.
> 
> We all know that the ability to send and receive Morse code is a real skill
> and an elegant way to communicate. Now it's up to us to demonstrate that and
> get more people to agree with us.
> 
> 73!
> 
> Dan KB6NU
> 

 If it is dropped, I wonder how many hams will never come to know CW because 
there is no reqmnt to LEARN. How many ops have you heard over the years who 
have stated they hated the learning of Morse, but came to truly enjoy it and 
were staunch supporters of the mode. Morse is the second most popular mode on the 
bands today. WHY should we NOT test for it? The REAL threat is going to be 
the invasion of the CW/digital areas of the bands by more mic gummers who have 
not been in ham radio LONG enough to appreciate the history and traditions that 
are woven into the very fabric of the hobby. Their only interest is to "tyalk 
on the radeeo". Look at the history of CB. WHY will we NOT follow the same 
path??? You only have to be barely literate now to get a ham ticket. I only hope 
that future hams do not look back and cuss us for supporting the cheapening 
of our hobby. I can see NO reason to lower ANY requirements just to appease a 
few lazy folks, and others whose sole purpose is to increase our ranks at any 
cost, including the total chaos that lies ahead. Even the cowards at the ARRL 
did not comment until they were certain of which way the wind was blowing. They 
hoot, blow, and pat themselves on the back about all they do for ham radio, 
but they certainly never seem to be in touch with the membership, or have a 
lead on what's coming next. A publishing house that dabbles in ham radio is NOT 
an organization who will defend us. We ARE on our own. Support the FISTS 
proposal, or do as we usually do...........do nothing.....then gripe about the 
outcome. AL/W8FAX/2192/EXTRA.....................heavy


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