[Hallicrafters] I Surrender, Stop Hurling Tubes!

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

My mailbox was so full of mail this morning that I got a telephone call from my
local ISP asking what was going on. They thought I had been hit by some massive
spam onslaught that had gotten through their software screening procedures. The
volume was incredible, to say the least. 		
	
The ARRL VC (volunteer counsel) was less than helpful. They handle only antenna
restriction issues, apparently. You get one brief 'free' consultation, after
that the cash register starts to ring. I won't name the attorney in Port Huron,
but he wanted five thousand to represent me. What a deal! 	
	
The fact of the matter is, the HF antennas don't mind the woods and are 75 and
125 feet south of the house. It is very difficult to protect them at that
distance, especially the tower in the woods itself. It is the one where the
destruction took place. The VHF is on towers beside the house, I can protect
them with my sawed off twelve gauge from unauthorized climbers. Whether I hit
one or not makes no difference, they won't be stupid enough to try climbing them
twice! Originally the parties did not know that I was blind, but now they do.
Hence, an added security risk where the girl's boyfriend is concerned. She may
be the property owner and the one who told him to tear down the antennas, but he
is the one who actually did the deed with his quadwheeler. That vehicle,
interestingly enough, has vanished. Hmmm. Frogzilla?       	
	
I have spoken with the local police and they have agreed to keep a watchful eye
on the tower installations for the next few months. They have also advised the
residents of the house where the vandals reside, that if they cross the property
lines, which they now know exist and exactly where they are at, that they are
subject to prosecution for trespassing. Additionally, that if anything unnatural
should happen to any of the antenna systems on their neighbor's property, that
they would be the prime suspects in a criminal investigation.	
	
Because of the assurances by the local police to do what they can to keep a
watchful eye on the situation, and because of your for the most part,
overwhelming threats to bury me alive in shorted vacuum tubes if I shut down the
HF station, thus ending the HCI Nets, barring the failure of a new NCS to rise
from the ashes, I will keep one HF station for 10, 15 and 20 meters operational.
The two verticals and tower for forty and eighty meters are questionable. They
may come down in June if I can find local buyers to take them down on a pick up
only basis.  	
	
Hence, the list of items for sale has changed. Those who got the other list, or
those who would like a copy of the revised list, write me off list, please.
There are even some vintage stereo items included. 	
	
There are several attorneys on this list who have helped me a lot, even though
they are not in the state of Michigan. Thanks to Richard and Gene. You guys are
great! 	
	
I have also received an official letter of complaint from Frogzilla about my
reference to the 'natural duck pond', I have a feeling he is going to have a few
comments on this reality issue. 	
	
I have been contacted by a national magazine for the story on this misadventure.
(Not QST) Who knows, if published, it might even pay the legal fees. But I won't
hold my breath on that one. Unless I can somehow work nudity, strong language,
sex and drugs into the tale, it is not apt to get published! (chuckle)   	
	
Thanks to those of you who wrote with positive suggestions and possible
alternatives to resolve the dilemma. I was not terribly amused by the one
suggesting I use a hot soldering iron to sterilize myself to prevent any more
offspring resembling me! It has certainly been an education on the failures of
the legal system to protect the innocent by making the cure more deadly than the
disease. I grew up thinking that if you broke something that belonged to another
person, either on purpose or accidentally, you replaced it or paid to have it
fixed. You did not hire an attorney and sue the neighbor to avoid accepting
accountability for your own actions. But times have changed, for better or for
worse, like it or not. I can't tell you the name of the rock group, or the song
title, but I do recall the line "If you think that reality bites, try French
kissing a viper!" Something to think about on the next family outing to the Zoo.
       		
	
DBF