[Lowfer] New Ham Licensing

[Peter Barick]

was < Bad operating practices/XFX update>

Yes, some are rightly skeptical of the direction the League is taking.
Is it another "dumbing down" of requirements/tests as has befallen the
nation's school systems? Possibly. Still the important benchmark is not
code or no-code, this code speed or higher, it's plain numbers of
licensees. Loose those numbers; loose the game.

It's also plain that the ham community is getting too grey. (Yes, time
marches on.)  Growth has to include the younger groups at all means.
Alas, this may be the League's bigger life raft amid the churning sharks
over spectrum. Have we all heard "Use it or Loose it"?

But the worst thing we as "mature" hams can do is ignore or isolate the
newbies over past prejudices or dour perceptions of the new regs.
Hopefully we'll set the pace by example and encouragement -- even help
-- on their expected tribulations as they TOO explore this hobby and
"public service" avocation. As in all things, someone has to make that
first step. Are we ready to do so?

Amen ... and regards,
Peter
----------------------------
>>> mlangen@execpc.com 01/20/04 09:47AM >>>
It's human nature to value more highly the things you work hard for. 
Stuff that's given away just isn't as important.  Cheapen access to
the
bands and see what happens.

I suspect this is part of an ARRL strategy to save allocations by
increasing occupancy and use.  But the ultimate question is, will the
result be worth saving?

Mark  WA9ETW