[QCWA] Fw: What have you done for us lately?

[Jeffrey D Angus]

Jim Wilhite wrote:

> Somehow, to me Jeff, the translation of your statement probably does
> not read as you intended.  Could you quantify it better for me?
>
> In past regulatory rulings the FCC has made mistakes not in favor of
> Amateur Radio.  Anyone who has taken the lead in reversing these
> rulings qualify in my estimation.
>
> Is that what you mean? 

Ok, perhaps it wasn't clear enough. I'll try to do better this time around.

Caution, long winded rant about some of the negative aspects of
amateur radio.

There is an abnormally large number of clowns in the Amateur Radio
fraternity that make us look bad.

There is a large number of amateurs that work together or alone to
advance the cause of Amateur Radio. However...

I've been licensed since 1967. I have been active in coordination and
for many years (22) have been a vendor at one of the larger amateur
radio swap meets. I've seen more than my share of nut balls.

For example, specifically to PRB-1:
Out here in the Los Angeles area there have been a number of notable
cases where Amateurs have taken PRB-1 to mean that they absolutely
have to have a large tower and antenna array. Usually in upscale
neighborhoods (that go with having the kind of money to engage the
cities in large lawsuits.) Santa Monica and Palos Verdes come to mind.

Usually with the claim of emergency communications. I have yet to
hear of fellow hams in "rare DX" countries sending aid or offering
communications assistance during an emergency.

Previously, while living in Culver City, the city council passed an
antenna ordinance. I suppose I could have sued the city council, and
done my part for the amateur community. Instead, I moved the majority
of the antennas inside the attic. The HF antenna stayed up outside and
was within the city guidelines for the number of "visible external 
antennas."
Problem solved.

For the most part, emergency communications assistance means being
able to coordinate between various agencies during the time of need.
This means handling a LOT of mundane traffic back and forth between
various public safety organizations. It does NOT mean grabbing a
hand held radio and running around getting in everyone else's way.

The days of the lone amateur hunched down in his attic while his house
is surrounded with water and banging away on a code key as the only
viable communications to the "outside world" are over.

Until we move into the 21st century, the image we portray to the rest of the
population is going to be nothing more than a bunch of anachronistic old
farts living in our own fantasy world of an idyllic past.

I'll save my comments on morse code and obsessive behavior for
another posting.

Jeff
wa6fwi

-- 
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
"A life lived in fear is a life half lived."
Tara Morice as Fran, from the movie "Strictly Ballroom"