Andy writes
Well, I've read the posts here, as well as the vitriol being thrown
around,
and it's obvious that a lot of people have strong opinions about the
usefulness
of the code test.

As a pragmatist , here is MY two cents worth.

1) No-code operators won't be on the CW bands, so those of us that
us CW won't even know they are around.

2) Most, if not damn near ALL equipment being put on the air now are
appliances bought in the store what have been type accepted.
Consequently, no degradation of technical standards will occur, as
MOST of the equipment are designed by professionals anyway,
and I doubt that many no-code operators will try to build their
own.

3) Those FEW, like myself, who build their own equipment know lthere
is NO correlation between knowing Morse Code and the technical
design of a radio. We learned Morse because we had to, and
either learned to love it or promptly forgot it as we designed
our
SSB and FM radios for the next several decades.....

4) Finally, the ONLY concern I have is that portions of the CW bands
may eventually be taken away and given to the appliance operators.
If interest in the CW bands dwindles, that's probably just an
evolutionary step... However, having CW as a requirement will
NOT make newbies want to use it when they can just talk into
a microphone and jabber away. It's a new breed of internet-savy
operators, and already the newsgroups ( like THIS ONE) are
attracting far more people who like to talk with strangers than
an expensive appliance that interferes with the wife's TV programs
.... I'm afraid ham radio is dwindling, but it will be around
for the rest of my lifetime, and that's OK .....

That's how I see it. Having a code requirement is simply an obstacle
to hurdle in getting a license. It may as well be required for a
driver's
license for all the "technical" good it does. On the other hand, it
does give us Extras a sort of "elite" status for having earned it....
I'm glad to have the ability to have Morse Code, typing, memorization
of the
color codes, and good looks on my resume....

Andy W4OAH in Eureka , Texas