And how about all the "new" no code "generals" and "extras" when the license restrictions are lifted and the bands are now "overpopulated" with the new hams,--more "chaos"
I think that is partially the point. More hams = more need to populate underutilized spectrum.
I find it somewhat disturbing that you find no-code licensees as somehow inferior. Code is an operating mode, no more, no less, enjoyable to many but a PITA to some. To paint new hams in an unflattering light (ie "generals", as if they are not true general class licensees) is contrary to the spirit of ham radio. As we discussed in the "will ham radio survive" thread, embracing newcomers no matter what their background is the key to the hobby's survival. Giving them the cold shoulder because they were once CBers or because they have no interest in CW is definitely counterproductive.
If the FCC no longer will require them to pass a code test, why is this their fault?
73 John
John,
I will try to be brief, as I am tired of trying to "defend" my position on these issues.
As you may or may not know,--I have been "fighting" this "battle" for over two
years now,as Paul already knows,--what with the license "restructuring" proposals
presented before the FCC back in April of 2004.
Paul also knows,--I had "grave" concerns about ham radio back then, and it
seemed to me very few hams(back then) cared about these "new" license proposals,
as most seemed to feel it would not matter, or they thought it would be "good"
to "open the floodgates" to let the masses in(as the ARRL proposed).
Now at this "eleventh" hour, with these bandwidth proposals, it seems that some
are now in a "dither" or "panic" mode to file in hopes that the FCC will adopt their
petition.
Lets face it,--the FCC does not usually "move" very fast on any issue unless it is in
their interest, and IF they do, it probably will be in their interest.
As I mentioned before,--I really believe that the FCC is headed in the "de-regulation"
direction, as they just do not have the "resourses" to monitor and/ or enforce
a bunch of "rules", be they bandwidth or license violations, etc, etc.
This will in the "long run" IMO, lead to more "confusion" on the bands and thus
I think HR will just be a "glorified CB" with many appliance operators on the bands.
Also John, in reference to your statement about feeling that I think no-code
operators are "inferior"--I never said that,--I know many low code or no code hams
are excellent technicians, BUT I do feel that in doing away with the cw requirement,
even for extras, we are losing a great "tradition" that has been part of HR for many
years.--much like if we were to lose AM(which some people would like to do away with)
as they could "care less" about tradition in this great hobby of ours.(i.e. digital elitists).
As Paul knows, I do have some strong feelings on these license issues, and you
can read my comments to the FCC back in April of 2004, on the EFCS website by
"retreiving" my comments under my callsign,--K1MVP(Ref RM-10867,RM-10868, RM-10870)
In closing, as I have told Paul in the past, my predictions about HR going downhill may be
wrong,--and I hope they are, as I still do enjoy an occasional AM QSO along with cw.
73, Rene, K1MVP
P.S, sorry I was not as "brief as was hoping to be.(rant over)