"Clint" wrote in part ...

I only take the facts as they are and deduce a conclusion, rather than take
a passion-filled idea intermixed with rage against opposition and launch a
scathing attack devoid of everything necessary to warrant a good debate and
argument to back up one's claims.
__________________________________________________ ___________

Excellent position, Clint. With that in mind, let's do some fact vs fiction
debate.

On September 5, 2003 the Dakota Division Director released these survey
results:

"Division members are divided on the Entry level license with slightly more
of those replying saying that Morse Code should not be required for access
to HF. That changes as as we move to General and Extra. Nearly 70% say
there should be a Morse requirement for Extra Class licensees."
__________________________________________________ _____________

This is very close to my position on Morse testing. I believe that some HF
privileges on all bands should be granted to amateurs upon entry into the
ARS, and that CW testing should be required for the higher licenses, General
and Extra. It would seem that this survey in the Dakota Division indicates
(as I have stated many times) that a majority of hams are not strictly
against code testing -- 70% seem to think that there should be some testing
for the highest class of license.

Add to this the fact that CW is the second most popular mode in the ARS and
that groups like "FISTS" have nearly doubled in size *since* restructuring,
and I think the picture becomes clear. The support for the NCTA is not as
strong as their advocates would have us believe.

Arnie -
KT4ST