[Lowfer] New Ham Licensing

[Dexter McIntyre W4DEX]

I'm trying real hard to keep my opinions to myself on this topic but I will state a
few facts which Bill may not be aware of.

1. Once upon a time:

2. Questions and answers for the ham test were not published.

3. A person had to actually know the theory not just prove his ability to memorize
and forget.

4. The test required you to draw a schematic of a basic radio circuit.

5. You got one try at the code test per session.  Fail and you could not retest for
I believe it was 90 days.

6. The test was administered by the FCC which meant there were no recalls for
retesting which happens now.

A big mistake was made when the present license classes were downgraded.  When the
requirements were changed there should have been new classes of license issued
leaving the present ones to die in peace.  Most people that work hard to achieve a
goal don't like to be later grouped with with those who did not put out the same
effort.  That's like saying let's just give anyone who completed college a Ph.D..

About the same happen years ago with the 1st class commercial license.  But instead
of just calling the 2nd class ticket a 1st both were combined into a General class
license.

I displayed a amateur radio license plate on my vehicle for many years.  It's
ironic that now I get the same respect from my Vietnam Vet plate as I once did with
the ham plate.

Dex

hummm.....looks like a few opinions leaked out after all :)