In article , Keith
writes:

On Thu, 24 Jul 2003 07:05:43 -0700, "Elmer E Ing" Elmer E
wrote:

Better read URL:
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/07/22/1/?nc=1


Too bad the ARRL has put itself in such a bad situation.

How did ARRL put itself in the situation?

As soon as morse code is removed from HF operating requirements those that
are mad about the ARRL not stopping code removal will quit.

Some will, some won't.

All those no code techs and new hams that come
into the hobby will never join a organization that did everything it could to
keep the average citizen out of the HF bands.

"Keep the average citizen out of the HF bands"? How? FCC makes the rules, not
ARRL. The average citizen isn't interested in ham radio.

The ARRL has kept ham radio in
the dark ages by requiring horse and buggy morse code technology.

Nonsense. FCC makes the rules, not ARRL.

And it's more like stick-shift technology.

Since 1990 it has been possible to get full ham privileges with only a 5 wpm
code test, a medical waiver (doctor's note from ANY doctor) and the required
writtens. FCC said way back in 1990, and again in 2000, that they could not get
rid of the 5 wpm code test because of the ITU treaty. Treaty's been changed but
FCC hasn't done a thing. How is that ARRL's fault?

ARRL's policies are decided by the Directors. Who are elected by the members.
Some of them want the 5 wpm code test to go, others want it to stay.

If there really are lots of folks who want ARRL policy to change, all they have
to do is join up and elect Directors who want those same policies. Or run for
Director themselves. Simple.

Why hasn't that happened?