[Fists] Avalanche of license apps

[Larry Makoski]

I have to agree with BOTH  John and Fred!

Now how's THAT for the ultimate in "wishy-washy-ness"?

But seriously ...... I see where Fred is coming from.  I'm glad I had 
the chance to get my license the "old-fashioned" way; by going through 
the Novice route - paying my dues on the Novice bands; and then 
upgrading before a duly sworn FCC employee.  There's a sense of 
accomplishment in that; that you just can't get now.  Hey, I'm a VE and 
I'm sure as heck that I'm not the same imposing figure as the stern "FCC 
guy" who gave out the exams.  It's just as valid today; but it's just 
not the same. When you passed that test; you floated out of that FCC 
office!  I think more than anything, those of us who did it that way are 
sad to see that future generations aren't going to be able to get that 
EXACT same sense of euphoria and accomplishment. Plus there's a sadness 
to see decades of tradition go by the wayside.  There are a lot of folks 
who see these changes as "no big deal".  Well, to those of us who are 
enamored with history and tradition - THIS IS A BIG DEAL.  And I think 
it irritates a bunch of us that the League seems to be so giddy with 
excitement over the changes; while at the same time not even showing the 
least bit of appreciation for the history of the process.  It smacks of 
being mercenary; and just worrying more about "How many license manuals 
can we sell?" rather than "An era has passed.  Let's proceed in an 
enthusiastic, but dignified manner."

Now, on the flip side", as a volunteer teacher of licensing classes, the 
thing I tell all my students is that license you earn is a license to 
learn.  Studying and passing a test is only the beginning.  "Real Hams" 
are the folks who get out there and do something with their privileges. 
So ....who's the real Ham here .......

A)  A guy who earned his Extra the "old way" complete with 20 WPM code 
requirement; but only to lose interest and let his rig moulder in the 
corner for years until it's covered with so much junk that you can't 
even see it any more?

or

B) A guy who just got his "No Code" General who is on the air every day, 
trying all kinds of new modes, including CW, who is getting on the VHF 
ARES nets, is performing all kinds of public service, who is taking a 
shot at building kits, building and experimenting with building his own 
antennas, etc. etc. etc.?

Well, I guess the answer is that they're both "Real Hams"; but to be 
honest with you, I think I'd rather hang out with Ham B instead of Ham 
A.  And I  hope that the majority of new applicants end up being as 
enthusiastic and involved as Ham B.

73 de Larry W2LJ
FISTS #1469

-- 
73 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to use the very least!

http://www.w2lj.qrpradio.com
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