N2EY wrote:
Subject: Hans' views/complaints about NCI and the ARRL and NCVEC
petitions ...
From: "KØHB"
Date: 4/24/04 9:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Message-id: . net
"Mike Coslo" wrote
| It seems to me that NCI could easily have stuck to their initial
| premise of only wanting to get rid of Element one and go from
| there. But they are not. Must be disappointing for you.
I don't have a problem with the NCI leadership (actually, let me make
that Leadership) taking a stand on any issue they wish. Hey, it's a
free country.
But when an organization that says it exists *only* to eliminate Element 1 gets
involved in areas that have nothing to do with code testing, and uses the
"membership wants it" claim, some of us take exception. Particularly when the
number of US hams who are current NCI members is not public knowledge.
And that has really been my bone with the whole process here, Jim.
We're told that they are only here to eliminate Code testing. Now it has
branched out to a free upgrade to most hams. We are toled that on a
personal level, that "I'll" never support a reduction in the written
exams" and now they are here supporting a reduction in the written
exams. And sorry folks, that "one time adjustment" is spin-us maximus.
All this makes for a marked lack of credibility.
(In fact, I was confident that Carl (and a few other
Leaders in several organizations including NCI) were forward looking
enough to vigorously OPPOSE actions which tended to dilute the technical
base of our hobby.)
You mean like when they opposed setting aside 300 kHz of 2 meters for modes
with bandwidth of less than 3 kHz?
But I have a real problem when the Leaders run a beauty-contest poll
instead of making responsible decisions based on what's best for the
Amateur Radio Service.
Considering how ARRL has been criticized for doing just that....
Asking the NCI membership, overwhelmingly Technicians, whether upgrading
Technicians to General without testing is a good idea is pretty much
akin to asking the cannibals of ZL whether the Christians should send
more well-fattened missionaries. The answer is a foregone conclusion!
Now they hide behind that "mandate" rather than taking a responsible
stand against the "Great ARRL Giveaway".
Of course.
Now imagine that someone polled all US hams about whether or not Element 1
would remain for an HF amateur license. And imagine that the answer was a
resounding "YES!".
Would that result be used by NCI?
In addition to this ill-conceived notion of free upgrades, we have
looming another proposal for what amounts to an "Applicance Class"
license. NCI has polled it's members on that gem also, and heaven help
us if I'm again a "stark minority" in opposition!
Exactly.
And recall that I was admonished here for discussing certain subjects. Now a
variation on those subjects/discussions has become an RM - and NCI *supports*
it!
That is because you were tipping their hand Jim!
Surreal.
How about this:
Certain people want to get rid of code testing so badly that they are
willing to do whatever necessary to do this.
Their constituency is largely in the group that will be positively
affected in the free upgrade, or "one time adjustment" if you prefer the
spun version.
Say anything do anything in support of your goal. Truth is so
subjective anyhow.
And now it isn't so surreal, is it?
- Mike KB3EIA -