[K6BW] Morse Code (again)

[Bill Smith]

Hi, just read the message below on the qrp reflector.  I have prepared the
following club response, (in the most Democratic fashion), which, with your
approval, will send to our ARRL Region Director.  If you have any comments,
please post or call me at 415-456-4481.

ARRL Directors are listed at http://www.arrl.org/divisions/.  Feel free to
contact any/all of them.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: /owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU
> [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of
> Bob KB2FEL
> Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 4:01 PM
> To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion
> Subject: FW:ARRL Board to Consider CW Requirements--- Your Opinion??
>
>
> Hi All,
>
> Not sure how many of you know about this so I thought
> I would pass it on.
> If you would like to comment please send them to your
> OWN.... ARRL Sections.
>
> TNX Hal for the info
> ***********
> Folks,
> The ARRL Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for
> January 15.  Yes, I know that is next week.  However,
> unbeknownst to me until yesterday, I have been advised
> that the Board is going to discuss the licensing
> requirements with the code/no code issue at this
> meeting.
> Some ARRL Directors have requested comments and input
> from their members on this controversial issue.
> Apparently some have not. I just found about this from
> the Section Manager e-mail reflector and now know that
> many of the Sections have been e-mailing their
> respective Directors with comments on the topic.
>
> I realize the timeframe is tight if any of you have an
> interest, one way or the other.  And please don't ask
> me what the Board's plans may or may not be relative
> to CW requirements or what the timeline is on any
> possible future action. I have not been advised.
>
> I simply want to notify you as an ARRL member that the
> Board plans to weigh-in on this issue at the meeting
> next week. And so I want to let you know that if you
> have an opinion on this issue, again one way or
> another, you should consider sending your comments to
> our Roanoke Division Director Dennis Bodson, W4PWF.
> Dennis can be e-mailed at w4pwf@arrl.org
>
> I would also ask if you do submit your comments to
> Dennis, please copy me on them at kc8fs@arrl.org
> I can assure you I will keep your comments/opinions
> confidential but will consider a general summary of
> the responses.  If on the other hand, you wish to make
> your comments known publicly, you may post them on the
> wvarrl usergroup on Yahoo per the guidelines/rules of
> this group.
>
> Thank you and 73,
> Hal, KC8FS
>

Our (proposed) response:


Hi Bob and Andy,

The Hamilton Wireless Association, an Amateur Radio club in Novato, CA,
would like to express its support for maintaining Morse Code as a
requirement to acquire an Amateur Radio license.  Morse Code is simply the
most efficient way to introduce basic communication skills and electrical
principles to a non-technical initiate.

Sincerely,

William B. Smith
AB6MT/NNN0BIO

Hamilton Wireless Association
K6BW/Navy MARS Club Station NNN0VNV