[Fists] FISTS vs. the ARRL

[YoDoc@aol.com]

In a message dated 01/14/2004 12:23:56 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
ockmrzr@spinn.net writes:

<< Larry,
 
 Why don't you do us all a favor and cancel your membership to FISTS.  

Bruce:

Actually, my membership had lapsed for a few years; I just recently re-joined 
so that I would have the opportunity to take an outspoken position on FISTS 
reaction to WRC-03 from the standpoint of a present, paid-up, full member of 
FISTS.  

With
 members like you, I am sure we'll succeed with "our" fight to retain CW
 testing in the ARS.  "...meaningless numbers," meaningless awards," why the
 hell did you join FISTS in the first place?

I originally joined because I believed it's motto: "The International Morse 
PRESERVATON Society."  I thought that "preservation" meant taking an 
affirmative and active stand on the Morse code testing issue, and using the strength in 
numbers of the whole membership to proactively fight against proposals to the 
FCC to reduce or eliminate code testing.  What it turned out to be was a bunch 
of geezers (and the occasional, highly exceptional young person) exchanging 
numbers on the air with their crappy "fists," mal-adjusted bugs, run-together 
slop they call sending, and apparentl lack of ability to understand concepts 
such as 2x1 call signs -- I used to be WR2F, and 98% of the time some geezer on 
the FISTS frequency would send it back as W2RF!!!  
 
 I have been a ham over 25 years, as far as I remember there was no
 "code-testing debate" until a few years ago.  

Then I guess you haven't been on the Internet, or it's predecesor, FidoNet, 
very much in the last 12 years or so.  And, before then, I guess you never read 
any editorials in the ham radio magazines.  The "debate" about code testing 
goes back to the ARRL's "Incentive Licensing" fiasco in the late 60's.  

Yes, BPL is dangerous to the
 ARS, but it is not the same debate as the no-code issue, lets not compare
 the two.

I definitely agree.  The BPL is much more important, at this time, than 
anything that has to do with Morse code.  Sorry, but that's just the way it is.  
 
 "...bunch of mainly old-timer hams," I had a 30 min QSO with a 16 year old
 FISTS from WV on Sunday.  I am only 42, I wouldn't call myself and old-timer
 just yet.

I've had enjoyable CW QSO's with hams as young as eight years of age, but by 
far, they are the extremely rare exception to the rule that adio amateurs, and 
CW ops in particular, are middle-aged (or older) white men.  
 
 I have been a ARRL Life member since I got my Novice ticket in 1977.  While
 I don't always agree with them, I certainly do not publicly criticize them,
 as I feel their aims are usually in the best interest of the ARS, as are
 FISTS.

I publicly criticize the ARRL, FISTS, the NRA, the Republican Party, the 
Catholic
Church, and any and all organizations of which I am a present or former 
member.  This, in spite of the fact that I usually do feel that these organizations 
serve the best interests of their respective constituencies.  Moreover, I 
have usually found that said organizations are not only able to withstand such 
criticism, but usually thank me for it when it is found that it has served a 
constructive purpose.  I cannot explain your peculiar attitude.
 
 Paratransit Operator, please, you drive a Van for the handicapped!

Actually, it's a fairly large bus that can handle up to four wheelchairs, 
with adaptable seating for up to 16 ambulatory passengers.  Do you have a problem 
with my chosen occupation?  I am also a retired USAF Master Sergeant.  Have 
any snide comments to make about that?
 
 Go play someplace else!
 Bruce WB7RHT
 FISTS 8618
 ARRL (Life)
  >>

I'll "play" wherever I damn well please!  Thank you for your concern.

 73 de Larry, K3LT
 FISTS 2008
 ARRL (Until Death)