Fred:

Yes. But those were simple times when much of what we take for granted today
loomed before us as dark mysteries...

Things are much more complex these days, BS, MS, PHD's are much more common per
capita and the general knowledge of the common person on the street is
magnitudes greater than the times you are speaking of.

No longer are people with a bit of knowledge in such demand.

Our colleges turn out highly educated individuals in vast numbers which stagger
the imagination. Indeed, seats in colleges are filled far too quickly, leaving
no room for those not fortunate to gain entrance.

It is quite possible the person you see before you in a lowly public service
position has a degree.

Across the board, +25% of all college grads are working at or near minimum wage
in a field outside their course of study--five years after they graduate; I
suspect this figure, which the colleges themselves claim, is rather low...

John

"Fred W4JLE" wrote in message
...
The same day I took the test for General, I also took and passed all
requirements for a first class Phone with RADAR endorsement. The engineer
administering the test told me if I wanted to take a really tough test, the
amateur extra was the most difficult given by the FCC.

Unfortunately at that time one had to wait a year to take advanced and two
years to take the Extra. I would sure like to see them reinstate the time
requirements so some of these young bucks could get a little seasoning
before advancing. Today you can get it all in one day. Then armed with your
brand new Extra; proceed to E-Ham and ask questions in the Elmer conference
that could be answered by an old time novice.

"Ham op" wrote in message
...

The required level of knowledge for a license today is significantly
poorer than 40 or 50 years ago.