[KYHAM] Why not CW?

Fri, 23 Jan 2004 09:26:36 -0500

Recapping my position:

1) Amateur Radio exists to provide communication when all else fails (
that's the bottom line as far as FCC is concerned)

2) CW still provides the "works when nothing else does, least equipment
needed in an emergency" form of communication. It is THE basic form of radio
communication.

3) All amateurs should be able to perform this minimal function, if for no
other reason, than to retain our existing privileges; and it take no more
time to learn the code than it does to "learn" the general class theory
(unless you define learning as "practicing the question pool enough to get a
passing grade without having to really understand the material")

Analogy: SCUBA divers still have to learn how to read a dive chart to be
certified in case their multi-mode, multi-function dive computer fails.  My
daughter still has to learn how to add on paper even though her hi-tech TI
calculator automatically graphs. Should we give up on 2+3=5 just because you
can teach a kid to run a calculator. Should she get a diploma?  Heck the
internet has all the answers... should knowing Internet Explorer get you a
college degree?

I never suggested that the rule change would eliminate CW on the band.  I
just assert that it is part of the "last resort capability" that ever ham
should have. It is "minimalist" radio.  I further attempted to assert, by my
satire, that by "dumbing down" the hobby, you weaken its ability and
capability.

You don't have to know how to use two sticks to buy a lighter; but you might
need to know how, in order to potentially survive a disaster. I guess I just
want to know how to build a fire, when all else fails, instead of being just
a "lighter operator".

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "A. W." <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 7:41 AM
Subject: [KYHAM] Why CW?

> Has this discussion turned in to a debate about the
> merits of CW itself? If so, I agree that the mode
> considered by itself does have some limited practical
> application. The proposed changes won't disallow the
> continued use of CW by those who want to, as far as I
> know.
>
>  CW to me is like making a camp fire with a flint and
> steel, or by rubbing two sticks together - a good
> thing to know that could save a life in a very rare
> instance. Fortunately for most of us, proficiency with
> a flint and steel (or two sticks), is not a
> requirement to purchase matches or a butane lighter.
>
> Tony
>
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