Dear Vic, I don't think the problem is with CW, a lot of us "old-timers"
like it, but I think using it as a "screening" requirement for entry into
the HF world of amateur radio is about as logical as say a "requirement"
that you build a Kenwood TS-140 "homebrew", of course, to make a license
upgrade onto the HF frequencies. The problem as I see it is that at
present we need a lot more amateurs to support our "need" for the
frequencies we now have, or we're going to continue to loose more of
them. Let's admit the fact that at the present time the ARRL is about the
only organization left in the "real-world" that thinks it should continue
to be used in the "screening" role. Let's be truthful, probebly most SSB
operators that have held a license for 5 or more years and continued to
be active couldn't pass a 13 WPM code test if the FCC walked in and
required them to pass it "on the spot, or loose their license". Maybe
they should pass a requirement that to have an amateur license you have
to purchase a Yaesu FT-1000 and fill out a license application. There
would sure be a lot of "poor boys" out here that that would eleminate. I
I think if you like CW, or SSB, or Packet, or whatever you should be
allowed to choose it, and enjoy it without having to "pass a code test".
"Now I'll retire and put on my asbestos suit"!
73/John
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