[Fists] Re: Fists digest, Vol 4 #188 - 3 msgs

[Charles B. Wilber]

This seems to be a case of apples and oranges. CW requirements and BPL are two
completely separate, unconnected issues.

I agree that the scrapping of any CW requirement will tend to turn Ham radio
into a glorified form of CB radio. Any of you who were part of that debacle back
in the 70's will remember how quickly and absolutely CB radio was rendered
useless once the floodgates were opened by the FCC. It would be a shame if the
same thing happened to Ham radio and, I believe, it would be the beginning of
the end for it.

BPL is simply a bad idea, propagated by greedy institutions that see megabucks
to be made and that do want want to be hindered by the inconvenience of
statutes, policies, agreements or even common decency. If there is money to be
made, they could not care less about the right or wrong of it or the common
good. If you listen to FEMA, to other emergency providers and even to the
Commonwealht of Australia, BPL will quickly be recognized as the terrible idea
it is and will be prohibited as it has been in australia.

73
Charlie
N1AOK

--- You wrote:
I don't think that topic/subject is accurate.  FISTS vs the ARRL????  I
don't think that is the question.  How about the preservation of the art?
Yes, BPL is important, but the preservation of the art is too.  Without CW
and reasonably tough test, we have nothing but CB.  This hobby has always
been for those that were willing to prove their abilities and even learn.
Yep, hams can even read and learn.  Why should anyone give in to what has
been said is inevitable?  Personally, I don't think that is true.  I would
rather believe that CW testing and tougher tests will become a reality in
the next year.  What?  Is the new breed to give up and surrender what is
just?  This country was not founded upon nor perpetuated on "give in".  Many
persons paid a high price that we might have the freedom to continue this
hobby.  So, why give in now?  Support CW, tougher theory tests, and then
support the fight against BPL.
--- end of quote ---