Tested morse code proficiency was required by the GOVERNMENT
in the early days of radio for the first US radio regulatory agency.
Back then, on-off keying codes were the ONLY way to communicate
using early primitive radio. The GOVERNMENT's main reason for the
code test was so that all radio operators in all radio services could
be
contacted in order to mitigate radio interference.

This is the year 2003, not 1912, not 1896, and not 1844 (the first year
of commercial code use on the Morse-Vail telegraph system). The
FCC stated publicly 13 years ago that the morse code test was NOT
a real requirement to determine if an amateur should be licensed. The
FCC stated that the only reason for retaining the code test in 1990 was
due to ITU-R S25.5.

Len, how DARE you point out the fact that times change and that the needs
of a public utility and hobby are to change to meet those needs. I think it
lacks understanding and sensitivity to the feelings of the PCTA gestapo
on your part to prove that with the passing of years, requirements
to meed modern demands likewise change.

I am flabbergasted; i'm taken aback. I just am overcome with such
frustration that I do not know what to say.

Clint
KB5ZHT