bb wrote:

The importance of amateur radio is easily overblown. The utility of
amateur radio in emergencies is entirely dependent on mostly aging
men,
who may or may not be available to assist in emergencies. For
example,
you have the rickyranger kind of guys who volunteer for ARES, MARS,
Red Cross, CAP, and probably other acronyms that he has yet to reveal
to the group, yet have primary responsibilities as an emergency room
nurse. So when the emergency happens, ARES, MARS and CAP are left
hanging.

Guess these guys in Mississippi didn't get wind of your
assessment, Brain...

QUOTE: (From the ARRL Webpage)

SKYWARN endures daylong siege in Central Mississippi (Apr 7, 2005) --
Wednesday, April 6, in Central Mississippi began with tornadoes, severe
hail and flooding, prompting activation of local SKYWARN, Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) teams and Amateur Radio volunteers. Members of
the Jackson Amateur Radio Club (JARC) staffed the National Weather
Service (NWS) Jackson Forecast Office.

SNIP TO....

This week's event marked the eighth SKYWARN activation since March 1.
SKYWARN is a voluntary program developed by the NWS to improve its
severe weather warning program.--Ben Jones, AC5SU

UNQUOTE

Facts and evidence contrary to Brian's assertions keep rolling in
and Brian P Burke keeps looking more and more foolish...

Will it ever cease...???

Steve, K4YZ