K4YZ wrote:
Where is everyone from BOTH sides of the aisle?

Egbert C. Craig, Jr., WA2SI

August 4, 2005

Re. NPRM WT 05-235

To Whom It May Concern:

Undoubtedly, there will be many comments filed re. This NPRM.
Therefore, I will be brief and to the point. Although I am not new to
radio and earned my GROL long before my amateur radio license, I am a
relative newcomer to the Amateur Radio Service. As such, I feel that I
can offer an alternative view to many of the "old timers."

I believe that there is still a very important place for minimal Morse
code proficiency testing in U.S. amateur radio licensing. I've been
told that "proficiency" is the technically correct term, however, I
do not feel 5-wpm represents Morse code proficiency. I feel that the
current 5-wpm Element 1 test is sufficient to require an individual to
learn the Morse characters so that s/he may then make an educated
decision as to whether or not s/he wishes to pursue CW further.

I would also like to dispel two myths that I have repeatedly heard/read
in the argument for dropping Element 1.

=B7 The current Element 1 test acts as a filter to keep out CBers and
other "insufficiently-dedicated" individuals.
=B7 The current Element 1 test acts as a deterrent to newcomers to the
hobby/service.

Along with being an amateur radio "newcomer," I am also a CBer and
Element 1 did not deter me in any way, shape, or form from upgrading my
license class and earning HF privileges. If during the course of
reviewing the comments filed re. NPRM WT 05-235, this demographic is
referred to while supporting the removal of Element 1, please do not
include me. This "newcomer" wholeheartedly supports the retention
of Element 1 testing for the General and Extra class licenses.

In closing, I would also like to remind those who believe that Morse
code testing serves no "regulatory purpose" in amateur radio that
there is an intrinsic quality at stake here too. It is part of our
culture and tradition and therefore should not be removed entirely from
the curriculum.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Egbert C. Craig, Jr., WA2SI