[MIham] WEAVER'S WORDS -- AND THE ROCKETS READ GLARE

[Tom VanderMel KB8VEE]

> [As always, please reply only to k8je at arrl.org.]
> 
> - Ham radio offers too many operating options?
> - Coming soon.
> - Congratulations Blossomland Youth ARC.
> - US House and Senate bills would kill Amateur Radio. 
> - Division Convention.
> - HR 462 alive; needs support.
> - One of the many ARRL services to members.
> - Got a patch?
> - Our letter writing campaign is showing success.
> - FCC dismisses RM 11306 without prejudice.
> - Tentative Travel Schedule.
> 
> ++ Ham radio offers too many Options? ++
> 
> It can be argued that the most major problem facing Amateur Radio is
> that we have been too successful.  We have been too successful at
> obtaining and developing frequency bands, and in developing and using a
> wide variety of modes to use in our operating.
> 
> To follow the logic, take a moment from reading this e-letter and think
> of the many operating options we hams have.  Think, too, about the wide
> range of frequency bands from 160M through those that are miniscule in
> length.  To name just a few, there are Morse code, AM, FM, RTTY, a
> variety of digital modes, FSK, AFSK, variations of TV, facsimile and
> then we have frequencies that range through much of the wide world of
> spectra.  The bottom line is that each of us, if we wish, has many
> modes of operation and many frequency choices we can use and enjoy. 
> So, what is wrong with this?
> 
> The problem is that in our nearsightedness, we have become extremely
> fragmented as hams instead of remaining a cohesive group.  During the
> past few decades we have allowed ourselves in many instances to think
> our personal choices of operating styles, modes and frequency ranges
> are the only choices "real" amateurs could possibly make.  We have, for
> example, many VHF aficionados who see no value in HF.  We have many
> devotees of cutting-edge digital modes who see no value in CW or AM --
> the older modes of communication.
> 
> There are SSBers who are so infuriated with AMers they would nearly
> commit murder to clear the bands of the AM clutter.  But, it isn't
> always new mode vs. old mode.  Some of our devoted CW ops think
> broadband digital should be banned because it is nothing more than a
> nuisance.  Yes, indeed, we are equal prejudice individuals.
> 
> I could name additional ham-to-ham prejudices, but I think you get the
> idea.
> 
> So, who or what is hurt by these prejudices?  Amateur Radio is.  These
> prejudices divide us into splinter groups.  We have become VHF hams,
> digital hams, anti-CW hams, anti-AM hams.  We are Contesters or
> anti-Contesters.  We are "its my frequency" ragchewers   Instead of
> pulling together for the benefit of all of hamming, all too many
> amateurs feel they hold no stake when "the other guy's" idea of ham
> radio is threatened by attacks from the government or industry.  As one
> example, many HSMM-hams couldn't care less if the FCC proposed
> abolishing all privileges for Morse code operating.  Conversely, many
> CW ops would do little more than smile if broadband digital was ruled
> illegal on ham frequencies.
> 
> Regardless of the misconception by one "side" or another, all of
> Amateur Radio loses any time the FCC begins to withdraw privileges --
> modes or frequencies -- from another phase.  Clearly, I won't now or in
> the future vote in favor of any proposals to have the FCC "modernize"
> Amateur Radio (as some hams would view it) by banning AM or by limiting
> the privileges of Morse or other forms of operation preferred by
> anyone.
> 
> Unfortunately, Amateur Radio has become a marginally functioning, if
> not nonfunctioning, family in many instances.  We find brother ham
> fighting brother ham, and sister ham bad mouthing sister ham merely
> because their operating preferences are different.  This is no way to
> develop a winning team whether it is baseball, football, doubles
> tennis, an army . . . or a strong lobbying (advocacy) team.
> 
> Actually, I will correct my initial supposition.  We hams don't have
> too many choices. Worse than this, we have too little maturity in
> thought to manage the privileges we have been given for our common
> good.
> 
> The real question is, "Why don't we all act like emotionally stable
> people and work together to our mutual benefit?"  Just think what a
> formidable force for each other's good we would make if we would speak
> and act in unison.
> 
> ++ Coming soon ++
> 
> In a few days, I will send you a "proper" questionnaire.  I hope you
> will take the few minutes required to answer it.  It will provide me
> with information on topics that may be discussed while I am in
> Newington for the Board of Directors meeting later this month.  This
> questionnaire is "proper" because it is a click-on-your-answer,
> automatically-tabulated one.  This questionnaire is being sent to three
> Divisions.
> 
> While the new questionnaire is open, I will be working to review the
> previous, low-tech one sent you a few weeks ago.
> 
> ++ Congratulations Blossomland Youth ARC ++
> 
> Congratulations to the Blossomland Youth ARC, W8BYC, of Berrien County,
> MI.  A relatively new club, it is formed of young amateurs who largely
> came into Amateur Radio through the fine efforts of Matt Severin, N8MS.
> Matt, a teacher at Coloma Junior High School in Coloma MI, has
> incorporated Amateur Radio into his classes thanks to his personal
> drive and the support of his principal and a grant through the ARRL
> Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive program.
> 
> As of June 20, Matt had 17 students who had participated in ham club
> and Amateur Radio activities.  Ten of these students had become
> Technician licensees through the school program.  Six of the Techs are
> working toward upgrading to General.
> 
> Matt, in turn, is planning for a new freshman class this fall and the
> challenge of introducing it to the wonderful world of hamming.
> 
> Great job, Matt.  Thanks and continued success with your program.
> 
> ++ US House and Senate bills would kill Amateur Radio ++
> 
> This is what lead stories in QST back in 1910-12 would have read, if
> there had been a QST back then.  It was in these years that some dozen
> and a half bills were presented in the US House and the US Senate to
> outlaw Amateur Radio.  These bills were backed by the US Navy.  The
> Navy wanted full charge over the use of ham-free radio waves.  Hams and
> their spark gap transmitters caused disruptive QRM to military and
> important civilian communication.  One 1912 bill would have placed the
> ownership and control of all transmitting stations under the Navy.
> 
> With such a political force behind ban-the-ham legislation, why didn't
> one of the bills make it through Congress and become signed by the
> President?
> 
> Hams, themselves, came together to lobby their US Representatives and
> Senators so heavily and successfully that each of the bills died.  Even
> back in the early days of Amateur Radio, individual amateurs, banded
> together in advocacy (lobby) efforts successfully to beat overwhelming
> odds against them.
> 
> There was no ARRL in 1912, but there were a few relatively large local
> organizations.  Among these were the Harvard Wireless Club, Rhode
> Island Wireless Association, Wireless Association of Pennsylvania and
> Junior Wireless Club which became better known as the Radio Club of
> America.  The clubs in their individual ways worked nearly as one to
> lobby successfully against anti-ham legislation.  No "no-ham" bills
> made it through Congress thanks to the lobbying effort of the
> burgeoning Amateur Radio fraternity.
> 
> Finally, a modified bill passed Congress and was signed by President
> Taft who signed it into law.  This first US radio law became best known
> for making frequencies longer than 200 meters off-limits to hams.  The
> phrase, "200 meters and down" grew out of this feature of the law.  The
> feature also relegated amateurs to supposedly-useless frequencies --
> frequencies that subsequently proved to be the most useful on and
> surrounding earth.
> 
> ++ Division Convention ++
> 
> Don't forget the Great Lakes Division Convention on September 22 in
> Cleveland.  This is the day before the Cleveland Hamfest.  For full
> information, go to http://www.2007gldc.com/.  One can even make
> reservations for a hotel room from this site.
> 
> One feature of these biannual conventions is the special awards that
> are made to Division amateurs.  Topping the list is the George S.
> Wilson, III, W4OYI, Lifetime Achievement Award.  For you who don't
> recall, George is the only ARRL President to come from our Division. 
> He continues to live in Owensville, KY and is a strong support of ARRL.
> The Convention features interesting and informative seminars on
> several aspects of Amateur Radio topics.  These are given by top-notch
> hams in the respective areas.  ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN will
> speak at the Convention dinner on Saturday evening.  At other times, he
> will be available for casual discussion.  Watch for further
> information.  Remaining, prestigious awards that will be given are the
> Amateur of the Year Award, the Technical Achievement Award and the
> Newsletter of the Year Award.
> 
> Nominations for all but the newsletter award are made by GLD ARRL
> members.  Nominations need to reach the Awards Committee no later than
> 5 PM, August 17.  They may be e-mailed or sent by US Mail.  The
> addresses are on the nomination forms.  If you know of a deserving
> nominee, please go to the Convention web site and print out or complete
> the nominating form.  The winning newsletter is selected by an
> independent member of the press from among the winners of each
> Section's newsletter contest.
> 
> ++ HR 462 alive; needs support ++
> 
> There is still time to write your US Representative urging his or her
> support of HR 462.  If you haven't done this, yet, please write, soon. 
> If you need me to send the boilerplate draft letter to you, again, just
> send me an e-mail and I'll get it to you right away.  We cannot afford
> the luxury of remaining mostly an indifferent group if we want the FCC,
> Congress and the public to respect Amateur Radio and support its
> legitimate needs.  Each of us who are concerned about Amateur Radio
> needs to demonstrate this concern and do what we can to support it.  As
> I see it, the least we each can do is to send a letter, an e-mail or a
> FAX.
> 
> Just a reminder:  Do not write to your US Senator at this time.  The
> time to urge support for the Senate version of HR 462 will come in the
> future.  Don't write to a US Senator about Hr 462, either.  This bill
> is in the House, only.  Generally, Senators are not even aware of bills
> that are in the house.
> 
> ++ One of the many ARRL services to members ++
> 
> George A. Guerin, K8GG, of Ceresco, MI, reminded me of one of the fine
> services ARRL offers to members.  Members are eligible to receive
> notices when it is time to renew their ham licenses.  The notice also
> give direction on a quick and easy way to renew them online.
> 
> George said it took only 12 minutes for him to renew, even though he
> uses dial up.  George is all set for 10 more years.
> 
> If you haven't signed up for this free ARRL member service, go to the
> Membership Modification Form (Member Data Page) in Members Only on
> www.ARRL.org.  Make certain the box in front of "Notification of
> license expiration" is checked.  Just as George received an e-mail
> reminding of his pending license expiration, HQ will e-mail a reminder
> of this to you.
> 
> Thanks for the fine comment, George.
> 
> ++ Got a Patch? ++
> 
> A police department shoulder patch is the type being discussed.  It
> seems that the head of the ARRL DX Department, Bill Moore, NC1L was a
> military police officer.  In his life-after-the-military he collects
> patches from police departments around the US. 
> Retired-but-still-consulting Blue Ash, OH detective Rick Burdick, K8WWA
> recently learned this and sent a Blue Ash patch to Bill for his
> collection.
> 
> I am fairly certain we have still additional police officers among the
> GLD membership.  I am more certain that Bill would appreciate receiving
> a patch from each of your departments.  If you can come up with a
> patch, please mail it to Bill Moore, NC1L, ARRL, 225 Main St.,
> Newington, CT 06111.  Bill is a great guy, a top-notch ham; an
> excellent worker devoted to Amateur Radio and fires-up a mean grill at
> cook outs. 
> 
> ++ Our Letter Writing Campaign is Showing Success ++
> 
> We haven't won the war, yet, but our letter writing campaign on HR 462
> is showing success.  Success, of course, can be judged in many ways. 
> The ultimate in success in this instance is to have a Congressman/woman
> pony up and co-sponsor the bill.  The next level is to receive a reply
> to your letter that demonstrates the Congressman read, understood and
> supports the basic premise that licensed radio services -- including
> Amateur Radio -- must be protected from callous QRM from unlicensed
> services (Part 15).
> 
> I haven't seen that any of our Division's Congressmen have become
> co-signers, yet, but feedback from Janet Worthington of Chwat & Company
> is there are a few who are considering becoming co-sponsors.  In
> addition to these Representatives, others are replying to Chwat and to
> Division members with quite intelligent comments that show they are
> pro-Amateur Radio.  This is all good, of course.
> 
> Even the Representatives who reply with "bonehead" letters help us. 
> They help when you share their replies with Chwat and me.  In these
> situations, Janet Worthington and John Chwat are able to forearm
> themselves with the knowledge they need in making calls to
> Congressional offices on Capitol Hill most effectively.  They know
> before they walk into the offices just what form of information will
> likely be most effective in bringing our legislators on board with us. 
> In terms of tennis scoring, this means -- advantage, Amateur Radio.
> 
> To the many of you who haven't yet written to your US Representative on
> behalf of HR 462 . . . why not?  Even if you take a pessimistic point
> of view, there is nothing to lose by writing and their certainly is
> potentially a lot to gain.
> 
> ++ FCC Dismisses RM 11306 without Prejudice ++
> 
> The FCC announced it was dismissing ARRL's RM 11306 petition as we
> Directors had requested.  This was done "without prejudice," which
> means someone could review the petition and re-file all or part of it
> at some future time.
> 
> Interestingly enough, before ARRL requested the Commission to dismiss
> RM 11306, nearly everyone who commented on it expressed strong
> opposition.  However, just as soon as we requested the dismissal, we
> began to hear from significant numbers of members who strongly favored
> it.
> 
> This raises the question, "Where were these "fors" when they may have
> made a difference?
> 
> 
> ++ Tentative Travel Schedule ++
> 
> Jul 12:  Mahoning Valley ARA, Youngstown, OH - Gary
> Jul 19:  Programs & Services Committee Meeting, Newington, CT - Jim
> Jul 20-21:  Board of Directors Meeting, Newington, CT - Gary & Jim
> Jul 28:  UP Hamfest, Escanaba, MI - Jim
> Sep 8:   GRAHamfest, Grand Rapids, MI - Jim
> Sep 9:   Findlay Hamfest, Findlay, OH - Jim
> Sep 22:  Great Lakes Division Convention, Cleveland, OH - Gary & Jim
> Sep 23:  Cleveland Hamfest, Cleveland, OH - Jim
> Oct 2:   OH-KY-IN ARRL Night, Cincinnati, OH - Jim
> Oct 8:   Portage County ARS, Kent, OH - Jim
> Oct 16:  Branch Co. ARC, Coldwater, MI - Jim 
> Nov 14:  Hazel Park ARC, Hazel Park, MI - Jim
> Nov 19:  Southern Ohio ARA Christmas Dinner, Russell, KY - Jim
> Dec 1:   Motor City RC 75th Ann., Wyandotte, MI - Jim 
> 
> 2008
> 
> Jan 17:  Programs & Services Committee Meeting, Newington, CT - Jim
> Jan 18-20:  Board of Directors Meeting, Newington, CT - Gary & Jim
> 
> 
> Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director
> ARRL Great Lakes Division
> 5065 Bethany Rd.
> Mason, OH 45040
> E-mail:  k8je at arrl.org; Tel.: 513-459-0142
> ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is!
> Members - The Reason ARRL Is!
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> ARRL Great Lakes Division
> Director: James Weaver, K8JE
> k8je at arrl.org
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
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