[QCWA] FCC NPRM:

[L M]

Since the international regs no longer require the code, it is difficult to 
successfully argue that it should be retained in its present form.  I have 
supported the ARRL position seeking to retain code for the Extra.

If we assume the nprm is enacted as proposed, we should then focus on how 
the written element question pools should be changed to better address the 
concerns that Jim raised below.  The predominance of "appliance operators" 
that seems to have been increasing for decades is a challenge for all of us. 
Our local club seems to provide support for new and technically 
unsophisticated operators. All kinds of questions are entertained on our 
repeaters. Some of them I can recall being answered for me, more than 40 
years ago.

In my experience, it seems that most new hams get started because of contact 
with other hams. We must increase those person to person contacts so that we 
both increase the number of new hams as well as their quality.

As an active ARES and RACES member, I am concerned that the increase in 
demand for our service by public agencies, will probably overwhelm our 
numbers.  After 9/11, in NYC, we provided many weeks of around the clock 
shifts of operators for the Red Cross and Salvation Army.  I know first hand 
how much some of our "work" was appreciated at "ground zero".  As we all 
"age out", we must look to our youth to carry more of the load.

73,
Lew N2RQ
n2rq at arrl.net
member #20,800

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
 safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Wilhite" <w5jo at brightok.net>
To: "Discussion of QCWA" <qcwa at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 9:41 AM
Subject: Re: [QCWA] FCC NPRM:


But certain people will
> hide behind the strict literal translation to mask questionalble 
> operations. Do we want that?  I leave that up to you, but the one thing I 
> detest is amateurs holding the highest class of license who have very 
> little or any knowledge of the rules, the equipment they operate (even 
> basic knowledge of antennas) and their general demeanor toward others.  Be 
> careful of what you request, you might get it.
>
>
> 73  Jim
> W5JO