off reflector - Re: [Lowfer] New Ham Licensing

[Ed Phillips]

"Hi, Ed,

Thanks for the kind words.  Blood pressure now dropping ... <g>

Eric"

Eric:

	I'm sure you must realize by now that the dissatisfaction about new
regulations is not directed at you or necessarily anyone else who might
get a license under them.  The problem is that over the past many years,
as license requirements have been downgraded, more and more guys have
gotten licenses and then abused the priviliges of the ham bands in such
a way as to lessen the fun for the more law abiding.  Problems include
"dirty speech", deliberate jamming of other guys signals, total
disregard for general rules of polite society, etc.  When I mention
dirty speech I don't mean occasional profanity, but continuous
transmission of obscenities.  Another result of the problem has been
that interference with other services has caused us to have some of our
priviliges restricted.  The ham bands are like party lines and
reasonable standards of etiquette should be expected,  In the "good old
days" guys behaved much more like gentlemen.

	It's not so much a bunch of us wanting to restrict membership in "our
club" as it is to keep undesireables out.  As for being younger than
some of us, that's great.  You'll be enjoying our hobby long after we're
gone!

Ed