[TowerTalk] dumbing down

[David Jordan]

I was hoping the FCC would add an element to the exams that would help 
filter out the idiots, criminals, wacos, PHD posers, liars, space 
cadets, lids, old white men waiting to die and ego challenged 
individuals which seem to be eroding the good will and fellowship that 
once was associated with the amateur radio service. One simply has to 
read the enforcement letters of the past several years or  listen to 
select frequencies on 75meters (and other bands) to note that CW hasn't 
protected the hobby from these type of individuals. I haven't performed 
any analysis but I would bet that many, perhaps most of the major 
problem operators in this country got their license the "old" and "hard 
way" with 13 and 20 wpm requirements.

I enjoy CW, PSK, Internet remote operations (just started using RTTY via 
the Internet remote connection to my country station) and yet none of 
those modes of operation make me a better operator or guarantee that I 
am a good operator or will become a good operator! 

I think the threat to our hobby isn't going to be resolved with a 
preference to any specific mode of operation or a requirement for skill 
in a specific operating mode
(segregation through operatomg amd technical skills). The threat to our 
hobby originates in the human side of the interface. The guy behind the 
mic, cw key, keyboard and those who interact with those individuals.

I think the hobby needs more and better mentors, more and better 
examples of good operating practices. Fewer exclusive radio clubs and 
less in-fighting.  None of these needs are served by a 5-10-20wpm code 
requirement if the experience of the past 40 years is any test.

That's my subjective opinion of one and I'm sticking to it!

73,
dave
wa3gin

Dubovsky, George wrote:

>Because it would eliminate all the Structural Engineers and CEs that
>answer all the tower base questions here, and the ornithologists that
>cover the owl issues...
>
>73,
>
>geo - n4ua
>
>  
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:towertalk-
>>bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Gary Schafer
>>Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 10:56 AM
>>To: WarrenWolff at aol.com
>>Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
>>Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] dumbing down
>>
>>Why shouldn't the requirement for a ham ticket be a minimum of a 4
>>    
>>
>year
>  
>
>>EE degree?
>>
>>73
>>Gary  K4FMX
>>    
>>
>
>
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