For many years now the sane and the reasonable in this forum have
dodged Lennie the Liar's labelling of the Code Tested among us as
"morsemen", "mighty morsemen", etc etc. If for no other reason than
because HE uses it to try an belittle us.

But I have to ask myself...WHY...?!?! =)

I have a skill that precious few have (certainly one LENNIE
doesn't have!). It took a certain amount of work, determination and
concentration to "get it right", and everytime I use it, it's just a
bit different than the last time, but thrilling and fulfilling
nonetheless....Almost like an artist putting brush to canvas.

When the guys on 14.195 are still yelling "YOU'RE FIVE NINE IN
DETROIT BUT I MISSED YOUR CALLSIGN AND HANDLE...", I have a "rare one"
in the log and am moving on to the next challenge.

When the gang on the SSB traffic net is fighting QRN from hell, I
have QSL'ed the traffic and am on my second cup of coffee.

Where the guys on phone pass up a "CQ" in a foreign tounge or
heavy accent, I answer and make a friend.

I've helped relay messages home for my Brother Marines and other
services that meant keeping that "personal touch alive. Yes,
cellphones and Internet have driven that need to almost zero, but the
"basic traffic handlers" have still proven thier worth in the 21st
century.

I've made friends in other countries that I wouldn't have
otherwise made due to LACK of technology in those parts of the world,
and on at least a couple of occassions my travels led me to their
doorstep.

Who could ask for any better justification for embracing Morse
skills than making a friend?

Well, I know that's an rhetorical question and the pundits and
antagonists (especially our resident pathological liar, social barfly
and NON-licensee, Lennie H. Anderson) will now "have at it" and tell
me how it violates some right of theirs...Oh well...

I have something Lennie can't ever have...WON'T ever have, and
will never understand...self-inflicted ignorance is his own undoing.

So sign me...proudly at that...

Steve Robeson, K4YZ
Mighty Morseman