[South Florida DX Association] Ham radio an embarassment?

[Pete Rimmel N8PR]

Dear Editor: 

In the article:  Blogs Have Their Day,  Dec 27, 2004
By LEV GROSSMAN, Mr. Grossman wrote: "blogging...a faintly embarrassing hobby on the order of ham radio and stamp collecting."

I hardly call a hobby befitting the likes of General Curtis Lemay, Aurthur Godfrey, and many other prominent Americans as well as worldwide notables such as the King of Jordan and the Sultan of Brunei an embarrassment.  Had your Mr. Grossman done his homework, he would have known that thousands of Ham Radio operators selflessly give of their time to aid in natural disasters, local events and in keeping our troops in touch with loved ones here at home.  In fact, a Florida Ham happened to be one of five of those 'embarrasments' who were the ONLY communications off the islands of Andaman and Nicobar after the recent tsunami destruction in the Indian Ocean.  Throughout my 44 years as a ham radio operator, I have made friends of all ages and walks of life all over the world.  I have been happy to host them here in the USA when they visit and they have been equally as cordial to me in their home countries. I have never been embarrassed to introduce them to any of my friends or family.  Ham Radio is one of the few worldwide communities which does promote goodwill no matter what the politics that the operator holds.  I think you owe the millions of Ham Radio Operators an apology for the slight that Mr. Grossman gave our fine hobby.  Peter Rimmel N8PR