In article k.net, "Dwight
Stewart" writes:

"Larry Roll K3LT" wrote:

Well, I'm glad I finally got your attention directed
toward reality. If the Morse code isn't relevant to
any communications service outside the ARS, then
the fact that the commercial and military services
have stopped using it isn't relevant or responsive
to the issue of code testing withing the ARS.
Therefore, by your own admission, the NCTA's
prime argument is just so much worthless rhetoric.


But, as you well know, the code testing requirement was originally
established exactly because code was once relevant to the military,
government, and commercial services outside Amateur Radio.

That was one reason, 90+ years ago.

Since then, other reasons have evolved.

Since that has
now changed, it is clearly time to question the need for a unique testing
requirement for this one operating mode.

It's always appropriate to question *any* license test requirement.

Since most ham operators today
don't use code on a regular basis, there is also little need within Amateur
Radio to maintain a testing requirement for this one operating mode.

First off, since Morse code tests are only required for HF/MF licenses, perhaps
you might want to look at what ham operators do on HF/MF, not overall.

Also, consider how many of today's hams *regularly* build, repair or maintain
their own equipment. Applying the argument you are using against the code test
will gut most of the theory out of the written test, too.

All
that has led to the efforts now being made to eliminate the Morse Code test
requirement.

Or maybe some people just don't like to take tests!

The Morse/CW mode remains as a valuable, basic
communications tool within the ARS, and the code
testing requirement is current and essential to the
continued use of this mode. End of story. (snip)

But, as much as you'd like it to be, that is not the end of the story,
Larry. Because so few use it, the mode now plays only a relatively minor
role within the Amateur Radio Service.

"so few"? I think you underestimate the situation, Dwight.

Therefore, code testing is not
essential to the Amateur Radio Service.

That's a matter of opinion.

Further, without outside factors
(the needs of the other services) to consider, the FCC itself has no
significant interest today in maintaining the "continued use of this mode"
within the Amateur Radio Service. As far as the FCC is concerned, it is now
just one more operating mode among the many used within the Amateur Radio
Service.

Maybe - but again, that's your interpretation of what FCC thinks. And what FCC
thinks and does isn't necessarily what's in the best interest of the ARS.

There is no sufficient argument to support the continued existence
of a code testing requirement. As such, the code testing requirement should
be eliminated.

Well, I disagree on that, Dwight.

But ultimately it comes down to whose opinion carries the day with FCC.


73 de Jim, N2EY