On Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:59:54 EDT, "Howard Lester"
wrote:

Steve, I think you're right - very right - especially after reading Jim's
posting that followed yours. It's an experience that few of us hams share
any more.

So very true. For most hams that was the first one-on-one contact
that they had with the FCC and being told that one passed the exam
made it a positive contact. Some hams also went up to the FCC office
to look up information in the public data bases or to ask for an
interpretation of the Rules. Now one deals with the FCC via the very
impersonal internet or through a third party (privatization at its
worst) , and it's a good bet that most hams do not know the location
of the closest FCC District Office or the name and face of the
District Director or any of the field agents unless and until one
receives an inspection or Notice of Inquiry or Violation because of
some problem.

At one time the staff was encouraged to visit each ham club on a
regular basis. Everyone knew who Phil Kane was and how he could be
reached.

Those days are gone. What a loss.
--

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon

e-mail: k2asp [at] arrl [dot] net