Hi Paul,

Well, the point is NOT that Morse code knowledge makes you a gentleman, BUT
that there needs to be some hurdle to overcome in order to get an amateur
license. As Bill said, the technical part of the exams is patheticly easy
to pass (and the regulations portion is not much harder). SO, I would not
be surprised if the number of CB-types in amateur radio increased if the
last great barrier (CW) was removed.

I think the best thing for the hobby would be to return to tougher written
exams, combined with introducing some newer technology (even more important).

I must admit that I have done VERY little amateur operating in the last
couple of years, mostly because I no longer have the time (nor the desire)
to just rag chew. However, if there were more electronics hobbists and
experimenters on the bands,though, I might become more involved.

Sean

At 10:05 AM 1/3/00 +1100, Paul B. Webster VK2BZC wrote:
>  This is a fascinating old "Ham" chestnut.  It is purported that an
>operator who is technically proficient - i.e., perfectly competent in
>radio theory and regulations, capable of building and maintaining
>equipment - is automatically some sort of "CB-Band" sociopath, but one
>who has learnt Morse code is automatically a gentleman.
>
>  Those VHF bands sure are vulgar places, aren't they?
>
>  This astounding social principle being the case, would it not make
>urgent sense to start teaching Morse Code in jails?  Parole conditional
>on achevement of 30 wpm.  *Surely* this is the social engineering
>miracle for which society has been waiting?
>--
>  Cheers,
>        Paul B.
>
|
| Sean Breheny
| Amateur Radio Callsign: KA3YXM
| Electrical Engineering Student
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