On Nov 1, 12:33*pm, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:40:07 -0700 (PDT), Art Unwin

wrote:
I can easily see myself as being viewed as an "unwashed ham" on this
newsgroup !

Mabye. *Most recently, the term comes from cold war era references to
the GUM (great unwashed masses). *This was a derrogatory term for the
average intelligence of the general public. *The origin of the term
dates back to merry olde England, where it was used to refer to the
lower classes:
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=29346
This may be appropriate for ham radio if you have an elitist view of
the Extra-Class license, accompanied by the usual snobbery. *As your
FCC ULS page shows you have an Advanced class license:
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/license.jsp?licKey=410939
this is entirely possible, but improbable. *To avoid confusion, I
suggest you upgrade to Extra-Class so that your self image improves,
and so that you not consider yourself being viewd as a lower class
"unwashed" ham.

--
Jeff Liebermann * *
150 Felker St #D * *http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann * * AE6KS * *831-336-2558

I don't think Owen determined "unwashed: by the number of FCC
examinations passed.
I suspect he was refering to those who do not have a leaning towards
the science and physics of ham radio
but just want a license to be a talking head. How this type of person
views another is of no consequence
unless all reverts back to the middle ages where death can be a
consquence of any challenge to the status quo.
Art