[CQ-Contest] CQ Reconsiders Policy on Crimea in CQ Contests.

[Bob Henderson]

Delighted but concerned.

>From a ham radio perspective I am delighted see our contesting cousins in
Crimea will be able to participate fully in CQ contests despite the
vagaries of the current political situation.

However, from the perspective of the international community, I am
concerned to see one of the premier organisations representing our common
passion lending credibility to the authority of a nation which the
international community maintains illegally invaded Crimea and which is
currently held to be an international pariah having so done.

At times we can try too hard to avoid making a political statement and in
so doing end up inadvertently making a wholly unintended and unwelcome one.

It is not in the remit of radio amateurs to engage in politics but like it
or not we are subject to the environment bequeathed to us through national
and international politics. For the health of our hobby we ought be
cognisant of and compliant with our national and international political
environment.  When it comes to politics it is for us to be subject to, not
responsible for.  We fly full in the face of the political wind at our
peril.

While the reconsidered position at CQ feels good at a superficial level, I
fear they now walk on the wrong side of the line.

Bob, 5B4AGN