RE Subject -- gross unsubstantiated generalization.
Here are some facts -- just the facts, mam
There are - 672,701 USA Hams -- been stable around that figure for several
years

For the bands that are open -- tons of signals to be heard
And with advent of 5WPM for general and extra -- the bands are full of
newbies and old timers as well




"trailer." wrote in message
...
Yep it probably already is. Last time I check on 12
meters is was pretty much silent.

Of course -- we are on the downslope of the 11 year cycle 10M & 12M has
some small openings but not like at the solar cycle peak

Now tune down to 3,892 or
3,853 at nights and people will advise you on how you need
to live your life!
It has been that way for 25 years I know of -- nothing has changed on that
band
A minority -- tune around -- last night I heard a dozen or so highly
technical and informative QSO's (left Coast)


And I can send you dozens of accolades by goverment and local entities
applauding Amateur Radio during emergencies

And I can hear jazz just about every
nite on 40 meters,
A SWL broadcast station I assume -- been that way forever (nearly)

so my comment is that maybe ham radio
is not really dead yet. Pending on your prespective.
Yes many jerks out there, looking to harass someone,

Not nearly as many as here or CB or 2M repeaters ---- and on HF a wee
minority

and yet I have found many folks want to have a good
conversation one night without all the discotent on the
band!
Indeed you can

Yep im not as active as I used to be, i give it
hell when I can.

gud luck to all and happy holidays from TX.

Steve in the hill country......

Happy Holidays Steve and keep the faith -- 25 years ago - I heard that Ham
radio was dying -- yet the bands today are full of SSB, CW, RTTY, PSK31 and
other modes. On contest weekends -- you will be hard pressed to find a
non-contest spot -- phone or CW. Hint No contests on 30M, 17M, and 12M

--
LC