"Dwight Stewart" wrote in message
hlink.net...
"Bert Craig" wrote:
Then I'll answer it, Dwight. Because preparing for
and passing Element 1 requires one to demonstrate
a tad more effort and dedication than passing written
exams for which the Q & A pools are published. The
5-wpm is sufficient enough of a challenge to require
some serious studying effort over approx two or three
weeks, but not enough to discourage any individual
serious about earning HF privileges. For those who
are not, the no-code Technician license is available.
It's really quite simple.
Okay, now all you have to do is show where all that (demonstrated
effort,
challenge, earning privileges, a two to three week study effort, and so
on)
is listed in the FCC rules, or furthers the goals and purposes of the ARS.
Ok, Dwight. Very easy. It's not. While the FCC is the regulatory body to
whom we answer, they are definitely NOT the sum total of who or what defines
OUR hobby/service. We, as amateurs radio operators, are a big part in
retaining those element that define our rules, tradition, and culture. This
is why the NCTA's battle cry is "well, the FCC doesn't think so" and/or "it
serves no regulatory purpose." Sure, the FCC defines the rules and regs to
which we're beholden, but as rar as basis and purpose goes...we ourselves
have more say in that than you or some other NCI folks appear willing to
acknowledge. Calling the 5-wpm exam a barrier is just plain silly and in the
end, this crusade to eliminate the test will have a negative effect on the
overall quality (NOT quantity) of AR. Frankly, I have much more respect for
someone with the stones to just admit that they're too lazy or
insufficiently motivated to bother meeting the requirements than all this
"regulatory" mumbo jumbo.
These are exams for a recreational activity with some serious
underpinnings.
You seem to want to turn those exams into a litmus test form of torture
focused mainly on CW.
The 5-wpm exam..."a form of toture," Dwight? Surely you jest.
By the way, didn't you openly oppose the across the board 5 wpm code
exam?
If so, then why now is it suddenly "sufficient enough of a challenge?"
Because it beats a blank. BTW, were you one of those who said that the VHF
and up privies of your license were sufficient for your needs? How long
after Element 1 is dropped can I address you as W5NET/AE, hmm?
Dwight Stewart (W5NET)
http://www.qsl.net/w5net/
Vry 73 de Bert
WA2SI