On Feb 23, 8:40 am, "Carl H." wrote:
The planned special event operation this weekend by the American Radio relay
League to celebrate the "end of Morse code" is insulting and indicates the
organization's desire to divide the amateur community. As such we are
calling for amateurs worldwide to boycott ALL PRODUCTS advertised in QST and
email the manufacturers that you are doing so and why you are doing so.

The are not celebrating the end of morse code. Instead they are
welcoming the new HF operators. They are trying to get people to
enjoy radio. The new operators will be coming in at a difficult time
since the sunspot cycle is at a low. If we want to keep them
interested in HF, we're going to need to actively encourage and help
the new HF operators so they don't get discouraged and quit
altogether.

It would behoove us all to get on the air and welcome them this way.
It would behoove us all to get on the air and show by example what
correct operating techniques are. It would behoove us all to elmer
all who want it.

It is our personal responsibility to be the best operators we can be
and to help ALL newcomers do the same.

If you think it is insulting, you got your head screwed on wrong. I
most assuredly will NOT boycott the ARRL. I will encourage all to
join both local clubs and the ARRL.

I will encourage all to learn code for the fun of it and the
usefulness of it. I will gladly sit with anyone attempting to make
their first contacts in anymode and help them through it if they ask.

I have a VE session scheduled this evening for those who CSCE's to
"cash in" and for those who want to take upgrade tests.

In my book, anyone willing to learn and participate is welcome.

FYI, I still believe that the basic, minimal code test should have
been kept. However, it's water under the bridge and now it's time to
help the new HF operators that were created at 12:01am today, all new
operators, and any existing operators that may need help.