.... all I was remarking on was the insanity which wrapped itself around
amateur radio, in the 60's-70's, and has maintained its' death grip, and
brought the hobby to its' knees and the sorry shape we find it in today.
The leaders we put our trust it have let us down severly, destruction has
happened "on their watch!" The correction necessary now is going to be
painful but we have only those to blame for it... and ourselves for
allowing it to happen without complaint or action...

I suspect this now has all taken a change for the better, we will be on an
upswing and we will only see younger guys in control from here on out. If
not, at least we are getting people who are capable with handling the
changes to get us up to speed in the second millenium (actually 3rd
millennium!!!: 0-1000 -- first millennium, 1000-2000 -- second
millennium, 2000-3000 -- third millennium) after 2000 years you'd think
people could handle changes better and quicker... ahhh, that isn't true
either, think if Jesus came back, stood before the multi-million dollar
churches and commanded, "Sell these structures and feed my people!"
They'd have him on a cross before the evening meal (and his last supper!)

John

On Mon, 01 Aug 2005 18:06:58 -0700, John Smith wrote:

N2EY:

I have consistently given the answers for the general ticket, I will
continue to do so, I have a study guide for general (put together by
another individual) the answers are in it, all one needs to do is dig them
out--they should have to work a bit for extra, one only needs study these
for an evening, two if they are slow, three if they are a "ma'roon" and go
to the examiner and get their ticket... it is a moot point for me... I
think the FCC changes are perfect as is...

John

On Mon, 01 Aug 2005 17:36:42 -0700, N2EY wrote:

John Smith wrote:

If the only difference between NC tech, and tech+ is the code, and
there
is is no longer a code test, would logic dictate that the plus'es can
still hold a greater privilege than a tech?

The FCC's logic says "YES!"

Now, why would logic dictate their being two classes of tech, when
there
does not exist any difference between the classes?

But there *does* exist a difference!

Techs who have passed a code test have some HF privileges now - today -
under current rules.

Techs who have not passed a code test have no HF privileges now - today
- under current rules.

The FCC makes it clear that they do not want any current licensee to
gain or lose privileges simply because of the proposed changes.

Therefore, if the proposal is enacted, the two types of Techs (code
tested and non code tested) will continue to exist, with the difference
in privileges, even if there's no longer a code test, and even after the
last Tech Plus expires, upgrades, or is renewed as Tech.

Often you see this kind of insanity when the gov't becomes involved,
you could argue that point, and there are no more tech plus licenses
being issued, you could also argue that point.

It's not "insanity" at all. It's the only way to satisfy all the
requirements listed above.

However, I think just as valid an argument would be that tech plus was
ok
for some HF, now there is no code, so tech is now ok for the same HF
allowances.

That would violate the principle of no additional privs without the
appropriate test, whoch the FCC repeatedly supports in the NPRM
document.

However, I don't think you are going to find many who would care to
argue
this point, there just is not enough interest in amateur radio at
this point, and the argument is something of a "time sensitive" issue,
it would have to be argued
quickly--or not at all. As precedence is won by the dragging of
the feet...

You can argue it all you want. Comments don't close for weeks yet.

If anyone actually bothers to read the NPRM, they'll see that FCC
repeatedly mentions how easy it is for existing licensees to get more
privileges by passing only written tests. FCC also mentions repeatedly
how, if the NPRM is enacted, all nonExtras will be able to get more
privileges by taking a few written tests. They even mention how many
correct answers are needed.

FCC also repeatedly mentions their support for spectrum as an incentive
to upgrading, and how free upgrades act as a disincentive.

Do you not like the idea of a VHF/UHF-only entry-level license, with HF
held out as an incentive for more *written* testing?

--

Just think - under the new system, all new hams will have access to all
of amateur VHF/UHF, all modes, and full authorized power.

Those who go on to General will have most HF privileges too, with small
parts of 4 HF bands reserved for Extras.

Be careful what you ask for - you may just get it.