[Kenwood] Curious

[Kr01a@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/29/2003 3:37:40 PM Central Daylight Time, 
wjdiamond@sbcglobal.net writes:

> You can flame and argue the no code thing all day but myself and a ton of
>  other old timers like me will agree as follows.
>  
>  A no code license holder is not a real ham.
>  They are appliance operators.

I'm afraid I just have to chime in and definitely disagree with WR0T.  I 
respect 
anyone who conducts themselves in an orderly fashion on the bands.  I don't
respect anyone who believes that they are far better than any other people
regardless of their reasons or logic.  My credentials aren't the greatest but
they should pass even in WR0T's group.  50 years as a ham after 4 1/2 years
as an army MOS 1766 high speed cw op (including Korea) which was after
1 1/2 years as an op on T-2 tankers.  All my exams were also at FCC 
although my last for an extra only goes back 22 years.

Having passed a 20wpm code test does not endow anyone with any
special skills other than the capability to copy (and maybe send) at
or above 20wpm. It, obviously, does not endow the individual with
any special abilities for courtesy, patience, anger control, operating
skills or any of the other desirable characteristics for a ham operator.

Depending upon which of the current 20wpm+ extra class ops
that a newcomer might select as his mentor will probably determine
whether or not the newcomer's actions will have an adverse impact
on the "coveted" extra class, etc., frequencies. Quite frankly, after
being in some recent pileups with the other assorted general, advanced
and extra ops, I seriously doubt if a no-code ham, eager to try out his new
privileges, can do any more harm than some of those already occupying
the bands. I think the threat to the future has already identified itself
in the various "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" attitudes exhibited by
individuals on this and other lists. Longevity as a ham doesn't qualify
anyone as an expert. If it did, then I, as a radio op with over 55 years
experience, would outrank anyone with less time, while someone with
60 years of experience would outrank me.  I think, once again, it's
time for everyone to get back to the basic reason for ham radio's 
existence, COMMUNICATING. Let's talk to any new or upgraded hams
that we encounter and offer friendship not hostility. Those who cannot
accept this approach remind me of the many "jammers" encountered
in the pileups. They haven't been able to work the station (or force their
views upon others) so they feel justified in trying any means possible
to keep others from working him.

73, Mac, KR0I