Roadie wrote:

All I've read are your generalities...please provide the specific
instances of where they truly did something.

Each month, QST has a column called "Public Service". If you are that
interested, I suggest you read those columns. (Please note that QST is
available on CD all the way back to Volume 1, Number 1). I am not going
to do your homework for you.

Also, you say "hams haven't yet" (implying 'never') and then you admit
to seeing the Wall Street Journal article (the "specific instance" you
are looking for) describing when hams DID help in an emergency. So,
that's not 'never'. You called the WSJ article 'faint praise'---but
*praise* none the less!

If you want to win an argument or make a point, I suggest that you don't
contradict yourself.

Other times I've heard the emergency net repeating nothing more than
old hurricane warnings available on local radio stations and through
NWS.

I would respectfully suggest that it is a (big) assumption on your part
that local radio stations and the NWS will still be on the air. During
Katrina many were not.

Buying equipment to place in your emergency stations is one thing.
Finding a use for it is something entirely different.

Think about what you just said--"Finding a use for it is something
entirely different".

Yes, finding a use is indeed "entirely different". Its -use- is
emergency/disaster communications...and if we *never* have an emergency
or disaster, well, that's just fine with me! So, I'm not sure of your
point--unless you are wishing a disaster on people.

We've chased around this tree long enough. I think (and have 70 years of
QST to back me up) that hams have and can continue to provide
communications in times of need. Maybe not perfect, maybe not
'professional', but there when all else fails. You, on the other hand,
think not just because you haven't heard every incident on every
frequency with your own ears. You are certainly entitled to your opinion.

Discussion over.

73...