In article .com, "Morbeius"
writes:

Code? Schmode! (what a load?)

You "hams" want to keep the pride and technical prowess
within Amateur Radio into the new Century? Then do this:

1) Eliminate ALL code testing for ALL License classes.

Why?

2) Enact a complete re-vamping of the pool of the written
exam questions.

Done by whom?

(and now for the rub)

3) DO NOT PUBLISH the question pools - PERIOD !

How?

If someone wants an Amateur License, then they should have a
working technical and theoretical knowledge of RF Theorems and
all related aspects of electrical and electronic practice.

Why?

It used to be that if you were an Amateur Operator you had to demonstrate
a degree of professionality and knowledge

No, you had to display a basic understanding of practical radio as it applies
to
what amateurs do on the amateur bands.

Having an Extra Class licence should be *almost equal* to someone
who has a BSEE.

Why?

I've got BSEE and MSEE, and lemme tellya, if the requirements for a ham
ticket get anywhere near those levels, it won't be pretty.

Both should be able to answer questions on varied
topics of Electrical Engineering with a reasonable degree of competence.

Why?

Radio - all of radio - is but a small part of electrical engineering. There's
no
reason to require such broad knowledge for an amateur radio license.

Until something along these lines is attempted, Amateur Radio will
be nothing more than glorified CB radio. I've been to enough club
meetings and hamfests where I've seen holders of Extra Class tickets
who couldn't comprehend even the most basic of electronics theory.

Here's a clue: The folks you see at hamfests and club meetings aren't
all there is to amateur radio.

It didn't used to be this way!

How do you know?