"N2EY" wrote in message
...
In article , Leo

writes:

An excellent idea. I for one would be very interested in seeing the
logic and rationale that folks have for keeping or retiring the code
test. By removing the emotion, personal opinion and bias from the
discussion, some quite interesting points may well be raised.

Unfortunately, it is pretty much impossible to remove personal opinion
from the
discussion. That's because every reason for keeping or removing the test
ultimately comes down to an opinion question.

For example, take the "Morse is needed for emergencies" reason.

On the one hand, Morse is not used very much in emergency communication.
On the
other hand, it *is* still used occasionally, by hams, in emergency
communications. More important, there *are* times when it when it is the
only
available mode that would get through in the situation.
(Note that phrase "only available mode")


Absolutely, Jim! And, as an added commentary to the above, it would be my
hope that many in the EmComm interest of ham radio would push CW at every
chance they had. When I was in a position of leadership in EmComm, I always
pushed CW--and there was not portion of the group that moaned or forsaked
it. Everyone recognized its value, and the value that those who use and
understand it brought to the table.


All of the above are documented facts.

The problem is, does the occasional use of Morse in emergencies mean that
*all*
hams *must* be tested on the mode? Some say yes, some say no, some say
it's a
piece of the reason. All based on personal opinion, nothing more.


I say no. It is no reason for keeping CW as a tested element for licensing.
That is my personal opinion.


Boil down any of the arguments on either side, and what you wind up with
is
personal opinion.

73 de Jim, N2EY


Exactly. If I am asked to explain my personal opinion, that is when it gets
ugly--although from my perspective it gets ugly from an intial onslaught of
insults and uglies from people who differ from my opinion. My return to
them is going to be in like manner--but *ONLY* toward the attitude they
display. I have no problem at all with anyone's opinion or beliefs on CW.
All are quite valid, and I think the trend only reflects majority *opinion,*
not display of force or argument from either side.

Kim W5TIT