[Qcwa] CW

[Robert Harvey]

Gentlemen:

	It seems to me that the only people I ever hear complain about
CW are those who aren't proficient at it.  Their bitterness over this
lack of skill seems to color all they say.

	For my money, it's not whether the CW requirement outweighs the
Technical exam, it's a sign that we, too, are heading into a cycle of
"dumbing down" which every other part of our culture is now experiencing
(with some few exceptions).

	Don't like the SAT?  Claim it's biased against
minorities/females/the disadvantaged/recent immigrants.  Military boot
camp too hard?  Separate requirements for Women so they can't fail.
Medical/law school admissions tests too hard?  Separate requirements and
lower required scores for the "disadvantaged".  CW requirement for the
Extra Class exam too difficult?  KEEP the exam, but lower the required
speed to a level which the majority already have, and make the exam
multiple-choice so that any fool can figure out the letters they missed.

	I can't fly a 747.  I'd like to, but I don't have the skill.
Can I please demand that the standards for flight school and the FAA
exam be lowered enough for me to qualify?  Why?  Because I want it, and
I've been frustrated, angry, and bad company for many years over it.

	When this whole CW debate started, I figured even the hams
without the various CW exams under their belt would recognize the value
of keeping the exams and the tradition going.  I am really sorry to see
I was mistaken.  See you below .100!

Bob Harvey
K2PI
1991 Extra, 1997 callsign :)