In article .net, "Dwight
Stewart" writes:

"Larry Roll K3LT" wrote:

I've already answered that question many times, but the
short form is that without code testing, there is no incentive
for radio amateurs to learn the code at all. (snip)


But, again, why should there be "incentive" for hams to learn code?

Because it's not a skill that most people will have learned elsewhere.

Most prospective hams already know how to read, write, talk and type. Most dod
not know any Morse code.

Notice
that I'm not asking why a person would want to learn code on their own.
Instead, I'm asking why there should be an effort on the part of the ARS or
FCC to promote (boost, encourage, or push) this single operating mode (it's
the only mode specifically skill tested)?

See above.

Retaining continued skill in Morse/CW has no negative
effect on the development of technology in the future.
That's an NCTA red herring.

I didn't say it had a negative effect, Larry. Instead, I asked you how
this (code skill testing) will help to keep the ARS abreast of modern
technology, insuring our continued value to others? I also asked how this
(code skill testing) will help move the ARS into the future (where we should
be mainly focused)?

Some claim that Morse Code testing is at odds with the purpose of the amateur
radio service as a fundamentally technical service. But in the practical
experience of thousands of amateurs, the opposite is true.

Skill in Morse Code, even at a very basic level, permits amateurs to use radio
equipment ranging from very simple to highly advanced designs, and technologies
of almost any vintage. Morse Code skill encourages amateurs to actually build
their own radio equipment by offering an easy first step, and a growth path
that leads to almost any usable technology. It must be remembered that most
radio amateurs are self-trained and do not have access to professional level
resources. Few amateurs today would consider a single-sideband transceiver as a
first project, but the home construction of Morse Code equipment is possible
for almost all amateurs.

I speak from direct experience in amateur radio home construction, having built
my first amateur station at age 13. Since then I have built many more projects
of increasing complexity, and much of my current amateur radio station is
entirely homemade. The construction of my early stations led me to an
electrical engineering degree and career. A major factor in that path was being
able to start out with very simple but highly effective projects such as a
simple Morse Code receiver and transmitter.

The removal of the Morse Code test from the Technician class license has not
resulted in a technical revolution in amateur radio from newly-licensed
"technically qualified" amateurs. Instead, the continued progress in amateur
technical efforts continues to be mostly the result of work done by experienced
amateurs, even though the Technician class license has not had a code test for
more than 12 years.

73 de Jim, N2EY