I haven't really been following this thread, so I'll assume it
originated by someone who thinks the code requirement (here in the USA)
should be removed from the license requirements. Personally, I don't
think it needs to be removed because with a little practice, anyone can
do 5 WPM. In fact, I recall a young man of about 5 years old getting his
license many years ago...it used to be written up in one of the chapters
of the ARRL handbook. If you don't want to learn code, we have the
Technician class license for that. Anyhow, where in the rules does it
say a ham is required to know code to possibly save a life one day?
It's just something they came up with to use in testing for a license.
From the FCC rules:

97.3 Definitions.
(a) The definitions of terms used in Part 97 a


(4) Amateur service. A radiocommunication service for the purpose of
self-training,
intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs,
that is,
duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a
personal aim
and without pecuniary interest.


Unless one does know the distress signal in Morse, why would anyone consider
that someone was signaling a problem. They could just as easily have
thought it was some kids goofing off.

Dee, N8UZE


Good thing you dont stand watch.