"Scott" wrote in message
.. .
I haven't really been following this thread, so I'll assume it originated
by someone who thinks the code requirement (here in the USA) should be
removed from the license requirements. Personally, I don't think it needs
to be removed because with a little practice, anyone can do 5 WPM. In fact,
I recall a young man of about 5 years old getting his license many years
ago...it used to be written up in one of the chapters of the ARRL handbook.
If you don't want to learn code, we have the Technician class license for
that. Anyhow, where in the rules does it say a ham is required to know
code to possibly save a life one day? It's just something they came up with
to use in testing for a license.

[snip]

Personally I happen to believe it should be kept simply because it is one of
the basics of ham radio. Even if one never uses it after, it should be
learned at a basic (i.e. 5wpm) level. This later enables the individual to
later decide if they want to pursue it to a higher level. If they are not
required to learn the basic level, they may forever falsely believe that
code is too hard for them.

Dee, N8UZE