[GreenKeys] Re: MORSE code

[w8au at sssnet.com]

At 12:21 PM 3/6/06, Bob McConnell wrote:
>Paul Anderson wrote:
>>On 3/6/06, WØQFC <erastber at tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
>>
>>>If you like the mode, use it. If you do not
>>>like it don't criticize those who.
>>Half the fun of this hobby is the wide array of modes available.  I'm
>>new to this hobby(just passed my exam this weekend!), but I know I
>>intend to learn CW, simply because I find it elegant, simple, and
>>efficient.
>
>I have a problem with those vocal advocates that insist on forcing 
>everyone to learn an anachronistic form of communications that requires 
>mental and physical skills that are no longer taught or re-enforced in our 
>educational and social systems.

***Wow..  an unwarranted criticism for sure...  Three things:

1.  You're not forced to learn CW, even for ham radio.

2.  It may be old, but it's still a very viable comm mode. (I'll
not elucidate on it's virtues) It doesn't fit into commercial maritime 
shipping since it was a victim of "downsizing."  Militarily, it's still 
used for snooping (SIGINT)

3.  It's still taught by military (see above) and by volunteers all across 
the country. (ham clubs, etc)  Morse instruction was never
a big part of our public educational/social systems.  It was always
a select vocational school offering.

You're entitled to your opinion, of course.

I offer the above only to provide a balanced viewpoint.

Perry   w8au   (an old greenkeyer AND keyer)