Scott in Baltimore wrote:

I still always travel with channel 19 in the truck. It still works
better
than a radar detector. Today, I'm frustrated with hams. Back then, my
ham
friends were techies. It's hard to find a techie on the ham bands
now-a-days.

How do hams become techies when all they have to do is memorize some
answers to a preprinted test? I'm for making it an essay/fill-in-the-blank
test. Drop the code. Don't do away with code-only portions of the band.

Code shouldn't be forced on you, but it shouldn't be brushed away.

I wasn't allowed to use a calculator until I was a sophomore in college.
Reason: What if you don't have a calculator later and you need to figure
something out? You gotta learn how to interpolate with the tables in the
back of the book first! Now calculators are less than $5. Now, when I
figure out some simple math problem in my head, nobody gives a crap.

I wasn't allowed to operate two meters with out first knowing morse code.
Reason: When voice doesn't work, CW will get through! Now cell phones are
free if you sign up for a minimum contract. Now, when I talk about a CW
contact I made recently, nobody gives a crap.

I passed my extra test more than 20 years ago. If I took it today, I'd fail
it. Why did I have to take it and pass it more than 20 years ago? Why
have a test at all today? There is no difference between putting a CB on
the air and putting any ham gear on the air today.

Where are today's challenges?