K4YZ wrote:
robert casey wrote:

N2EY wrote:

What if their minds *have* changed? Perhaps they have
looked at the
arguments
provided by pro-code-test folks, and at the results of the
reduction/elimination
of code testing in the USA and other countries, and have
concluded that
Element 1 is no big deal. Maybe they've even concluded
that it
*does*
serve a useful,
regulatory purpose!

The FCC noted that there's been no noticeable increase in
violations in HF since they let 5wpm'ers loose on it back
in 2000.

Where and when did the FCC note that?

There have been 5 wpm hams with General, Advanced and Extra class
licenses since 1990 (medical waivers).

Trouble spots like 14.313 predate that by many
years.

And for many of those years, FCC did very little enforcement
on the ham bands. Those problems were allowed to exist for
*years* without FCC doing much of anything, despite
complaints.

So 13 or 20wpm doesn't serve a regulatory purpose,

What mode are those folks on 14.313 using? Hint: It's not
Morse Code!

Recently an overzealous ham sending code practice 24/7
was the subject of an FCC enforcement action. Guy was
sending Bible verses (which isn't a rule violation) but
didn't answer FCC letters about his method of station
control (which is).

You've got to go back years and years to find another
enforcement action of similar magnitude against a
ham using Morse Code. Compare that to enforcement
actions against hams using voice modes.

and
the FCC isn't in the business of handing out "gold star"
awards.

20 wpm is hardly "gold star" performance.

And if that is the case - would you support dumping the General and
Extra class licenses, and giving all privs to everyone with a Tech or
higher?

No, they're not.

But they ARE in the business of making sure that thier
rules meet the test of the enabling regulations.

Part 97.1 establishes the Basis and Purpose of the Amateur Radio
Service. The B&P continues to establish an expectation of self
training and communications skills that prepare the licensee to meet
the needs of the B & P.

All of which are interpretations and opinions.

So...Until Part 97 is altered per process otherwise, Morse Code is
still required for access to HF allocations.

And as Jim noted, so far, the overwhelming opinion of those who
have cared to express an opinion is "Morse Code skills are
needed"

I didn't say "overwhelming opinion". I said "majority opinion". *BIG*
difference.


73 de Jim, N2EY