[BC] FCC DROPS ALL HAM CW TESTING

[Cowboy]

On Saturday 16 December 2006 04:42 pm, Rob Atkinson wrote:

> From: "ARRL Web site" <memberlist at www.arrl.org>
> The Commission said today's R&O eliminates that
> requirement for General and Amateur Extra applicants.

 I've no problem with General, but for Extra, I'm truly
 disappointed.
 ( I'm disappointed with anything less than about 16 wpm for that class )

On Saturday 16 December 2006 05:30 pm, Rich Wood wrote:

> I'm so glad I no longer moderate an Amateur Radio forum. All Hell is 
> going to break loose. Extra Class licensees will be considered no 
> better than no-code techs by those who studied code at the original 
> speed and have long since forgotten it. 

 In some cases, you'll be right !! ( I happen to be one )

 The Extra class is basicly a vanity license anyway
 that gets the licensee little more than bragging rights.

 Not because I did it, but because I'd hate to see the Olympics awarding
 gold to whoever just showed up, it's my opinion that the Extra class
 SHOULD be an "extra" class, perhaps with NO additional privileges at all.
 It's not, after all, an "entrance" level license.

 There was no greater kick for this Extra, than making someone's first contact
 in the CW only days of the novice license.
 Well, that, and the one time I was asked what computer I was using,
 and I responded with .--- ...-- ---..   -...-.-   :-)

 My feelings are much the same about the old First Phone, and First Telegraph.
 First Telegraph especially, since that one really did get you nothing.

-- 
Cowboy
KZ8Z