In article , Leo
writes:

What about the input from nonhams? Or is commentary limited to those already
licensed?

As above, the post-WRC 03 changes would affect only those currently
engaged in the hobby - I believe that no non-ham input has been
requested at this time.

The code test requirements very much affect the "non-hams." Those
that do not care for any morse code test or those that cannot do any
sufficient morse would be affected in that they would not bother
trying to get a license grant.

Radio amateurs who have already achieved the top "upgrade" license
class in their country would NOT be affected in their privileges. Their
only "affect" is a psychological disturbance due to newcomers not
having to do exactly as they did many years ago.

I don't know that much about Industry Canada's charter in Canadian
law but the FCC is NOT required to provide psychological sustenance
to already-licensed radio amateurs.

At present, the majority expressed opinions of radio amateurs both
in here and elsewhere treat the hobby activity of amateur radio as a
glorified fraternal order insofar as requirements in law are concerned.
The FCC is not chartered as a fraternal order, is merely a radio
regulating agency.

Amateur radio is not a vital need or concern for any nation's security
or safety or well-being, regardless of the emotional spins turning
around from existing amateur fraternal orders. It is a fun hobby,
a relaxing (to most) avocation involving radio activity. Some poor
souls cannot be satisfied with anything but a fantasy mindset of ham
radio as an entire raison d'etre, a reason for existance. Those
mentalities will never be satisfied, cannot compromise in anything
unless all test for and be granted licenses exactly as they had to
endure once upon a time. They are outraged, fed up, cannot take it
anymore the minute anyone puts forth a change in regulations they
do not like.

If ALL the commentary on new regulations come only from already-
licensed amateurs, then this is NOT adhering to good democratic
principles of federal rule. It is merely going by very long established
tradition of the insular fraternal order ruling only itself by itself. That
is
fine for fraternal orders...except no amateur radio service in any
country that I'm familiar with requires their governments to regulate
amateur radio as or by fraternal order principles.

LHA / WMD