[TNham] Unusual questions on recent ARRL survey

[Bill Farnham]

No, Greg. It is not a big bunch of nothing. He is referring to the
commercial agency hired by the American Red Cross. ARC has said that
volunteers for them must undergo background checks. As you say, limited to
criminal background checks, that's one thing. The ARC says they will not ask
for "mode of living" or other financial checks to be included in the
process. Yet the agency they've hired does not and apprently will not modify
the consent sheet to exclude those aspects of the background check. ARC saus
they won't ask for this kind of check, yet the ocntracted agency continues
to include wording allowing for such checks on their forms. That is what
people object to.

It's not been discussed behind closed doors, but in a rather public fashion.
It has been discussed at length for a LONG time in emails, publications, and
even snail mail from the ARRL. Those who see the ARRL as the Great Satan
wouldn't know that, as they won't pay attention to anything the ARRL says.
That notwithstanding, there is nothing about it that has been kept secret.
Those who know nothing of it have simply absented themselves from the
circles in which it has been openly discussed for a long time. The ARRL has
led the way in being open about it, and calling it to the attention of hams
so that they would be aware of what they're signing if they were to sign one
of those consent forms. Yet if one closes oneself to anything having to do
with ARRL, one would have not had the benefit of being aware. That's where
the secret or isolation exists - in those who have nothing to do with ARRL.
But then, I guess they're the bad guys, right?

It hasn't a single thing to do with Homeland Security. Never has.

Bill
KI4FZT

-----Original Message-----
From: tnham-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:tnham-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Greg Williams
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2007 11:56 PM
To: tnham at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [TNham] Unusual questions on recent ARRL survey


I don't know if anyone else received a survey from Henry Legette (Delta
Division director) but he sent this out to members and a couple of questions
in the survey drew my attention, particularly #10:


************************************************************************

Some of the Agencies we have current agreements with may begin
requiring background checks on any Amateur Radio operator who provide
emergency communications for them, and the League is now developing a
position on these background checks.  The next two questions pertain to
that issue:

  9. If the consent form limited any background checks to a criminal
check only, would you give your consent and allow a background check?


  10. If the consent form authorized the agency to perform "mode of
living" checks, which could include such items as a credit check, would
you give consent and allow a background check?

************************************************************************

Now, I'm trying to figure out exactly WHAT "AGENCY" is going to require a
CREDIT CHECK in order to VOLUNTEER for service?  What purpose would it
serve?

Of course, this is probably a big bunch of nothing, but it does make one
wonder why this kind of question is being asked, and what exactly is being
discussed behind closed doors.

Criminal background check I have no problem with and can understand where it
might be a concern.  But I can't fathom to think of a situation where public
service is going to be denied because you owe Visa $1000 in outstanding
funds.  Is this Homeland Security run amok?

--

Gregory S. Williams
gregwilliams(at)knology.net
k4hsm(at)knology.net

http://www.etskywarn.net
http://www.twiar.org
http://www.icebearnation.com

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