Dwight Stewart wrote:
"Mike Coslo" wrote:


How was I excluded from the ARS by the Morse
code test?



In the past, you were not excluded (code testing served a need). However,
if code testing remains solely as a means to exclude "those people," others
in the future will be. "Those people" include anyone you set out to exclude.

You want stiffer written tests (or code testing) to exclude "dumbed down"
people. I don't agree with that. Show me something that individual has done
wrong and I'll support your efforts to get rid of that person. However, I'm
not willing to exclude groups of people simply because some don't like them
or a few in that group have done things some don't like.

First off, I don't think I've ever said "dumbed down". If you know I
have, post the reference.

Now to the subject at hand.

I do not consider the Morse Code to be *any test of intelligence or
desirability whatsoever.

What I do consider it is a method of ensuring that the person actually
wants to be in the service. It is a measure of inclusivity, not
exclusivity. Kind of like learning to parallel park or do a three point
turn.

Many don't like CB'ers and want stiffer written exams (or code testing) to
keep "those people" out. I don't agree with that. Again, if you want to
throw someone out because that person has broken the rules, I'm all for
that. However, I'm not willing to exclude someone from even getting into ham
radio simply because they once owned a CB radio and we don't like what some
did with those radios.

You"re way off base with me Dwight. I own a CB radio - use it for
traveling. It's saved my tookus on a few occasions. I even had a
license, (my parents did to be precise, many years ago) KBM-8780.

We can be whatever we want to be. There is no argument that no license
testing is at all necessary at all in order to put up a station and
start transmitting as soon as the Morse code requirement is gone.

So we choose. We do already have indications of what the spectrum of
behaviors are. Right now, those who favor less knowledge have the upper
hand.

- Mike KB3EIA -