Funny you should mention the POW camp and taps...

I was just in that situation last week, quite strange the vast numbers
which end up under such circumstances--yep, just lucky for me I do
know CW or I wouldn't be hear to tell about it...

ROFLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John

"beerbarrel" wrote in message
...
On 21 Jul 2005 12:14:06 -0700, "an_old_friend"

wrote:



beerbarrel wrote:
On 21 Jul 2005 11:58:58 -0700, "John S." wrote:



beerbarrel wrote:
On Thu, 21 Jul 2005 13:29:37 -0400, Cmdr Buzz Corey

wrote:

John S. wrote:


Yes, or require that prospective drivers be proficient in
the use of a
buggy whip in addition to passing a written and practical
driving test.


If they are going to drive a buggy, it might be a good idea.



Maybe we should just drop the driving test altogether...well
start
with your kids.

And that's the point. The written and practical drivers test is
a
measure of whether a prospective driver knows something about the
law
and theory of driving and has some proficiency in the operation
of a
motor vehicle.

The written amateur test proves that the owner has some knowlege
of the
theory of radio construction and operation.

The morse code test only tests the ability to translate a
language for
which there is no practical use. It does not shed any light on
the
ability if the prospective ham to operate a ham radio in a safe
and
courteous manner. A live on-the-air test of a prospective ham
setting
up a rig and using voice or one of the digital modes would prove
something about his competence as a radio operator.

Copying morse code proves nothing.


break

It proves that you have basic working knowledge of a very
efficient
form of communication that is used for emergency communications
today
and tomorrow. It runs circles around audio communication and can
be
much more effective. Under certain conditions, having the ability
to
copy morse can can mean the difference between like and death.

name one?



How about being stuck in a POW camp with no wat to communicat other
than taps?