In article , "Helmut"
writes:

How does the number of new hams since the changes compare to an equal
period of time before the changes?

Jim, it is not the difference in numbers, it is just the fact, that it
happend. Give yourself the cream upon the cake and think positive about the
new situation. Showing anger and agressiv language against those beeing a
"victim" of the restructuring process doesn't bring any good to the ham
family. Not in your country, and not around the world. And where we cannot
do anything against it, it's not worth to argue about it. It is NOT
negotiable.

Helmut, what you say is true but the verbose regulars in this newsgroup
are adamant "America-firsters," that is, what the Americans do is "best"
and therefore that is good for the rest of the world.

The IARU came out with the opinion years ago that morse code testing
should be eliminated from an ITU requirement. The ARRL, a supposed
leader of American amateur radio (with membership less than 25% of
all American amateur licensees) was against it. They aren't really for
eliminating any of it and remain in a middle position, neither for nor
against it. ARRL tries to please too many, therefore there is no real
consensus possible. It reduces to a simple phrasing for American
radio amateurs: All must do as was done in the old days by the old-
timers...because the old-timers imagine they are "the best."

It is a sad situation for the entire world in my estimation, a stubborn
opinion that belongs better in times of two centuries ago. As an
American who loves his country and has done so longer than most
other Americans in here, I am ashamed of their "radio-backwoodsman"
attitudes. Such reflects poorly on us, yet so many remain stubbornly
resolute in an America-first belief, a parochial attitude centering
around themselves with little regard to this nation or the world.

Fortunately for the rest of the radio world (much larger than amateurism)
the USA's negotiations on that rest of the radio world activity is better
and more liberal, willing to listen to other points of view. In here there
is NO other view allowed if it displeases the old-time regulars.

LHA / WMD