Dee:

You expect it to happen all-at-once, I suspect... but, it will not...
since it won't, many will call failure and hope to prevent change...

It will be a series of baby-steps.

That first has already been taken, removal of CW testing... next, find
ways to provide fertile ground for either the ideas I have already
expressed--encourage someone you know to get a ticket--pointing out they
now only have to take a written test, and/or other ideas which benefit
the hobby. Each of us can start in a local amateur group which is local to
us, if nothing else, shame them into getting involved in the real future
of amateur radio!

The single most important thing any amateur can do is focus on the issues,
improvements needed and gaining support of others to overcome the inertia
of the current stagnant status quo. Decide if you wish to be part of the
solution or part of the problem. Have patience and stick to what you know
is right... don't drop down and begin petty battles with those who want
to divert you and wear you out to maintain the status quo... take pride
in having the courage to oppose the "small man attitude" which so many
have seem prone to fall victim to...

.... you know girl, "... longest journey begins but with the first step..."

John

On Sun, 14 Aug 2005 18:20:07 -0400, Dee Flint wrote:


"John Smith" wrote in message
news
Dee:

I see the issues as, for example:

1) Induce more licensees so the amateur contains a base of more varied and
qualified skills.

How?

2) Inspire a greater interest in manufacturers to provide more and updated
equipment.

How?

3) Restore a greater importance and public awareness in amateur radio,
ideally, everyone IS a ham, or at least knows one.

How?

4) Structure bandwidth to serve the the greatest number with the modes
(protocols) they require or are interested in.

How?

5) Inspired experimenting with adapting the new technologies to
amateur radio, and not just on a commercial level, but at a "hands on
level" which amateurs can participate in.

How?

6) Clear all barriers and have free access to foreign hams, standardize as
much as possible so hams can serve as ambassadors to the world.

How?

7) Attempt to interface amateur with the internet in anyway possible so
the amateur radio gains a useful status in todays world which keeps it
competitive to sustaining its future.

How?

8) etc, etc, etc...


These principals are all well and good but propose some specific, concrete
actions.

Once true principals and goals are established for the masses radio is
meant to serve the course will become clear, those not working in radios
best interest can be shown for what they are and weeded out... some do
not wish this... first, arrl has to become a platform to work out these
goals from EVERYONES input, and if the pool of amateurs is able to be
expanded to a necessary degree and become diverse enough to represent all
of technology, it just may...

John


I seriously doubt if the course will be all that clear. Ten different
people are going to have ten different needs and ideas.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE