jstarr@anad (J. Starr USAISC ANAD) (02/22/85)
Ham tags = vanity plates ?? Bah Humbug!! Now wait. Yes they are. To some extent they are. I have been a "HAM" for 23 years and I am proud of it. But as someone else said, they are mainly to assist the proper authorities to identify the owner in times of emergency. Alabama has been in the middle of "TORNADO ALLEY" for the past several years. Many many hams in Alabama actively work with the National Weather Service during periods of severe weather watches and warnings. These same hams then work closely with Civil Defense, the Red Cross and local law enforcement officials if a storm does strike. And they do, several times a year in this state. I have taken part in too many severe weather watches and warnings to count. Three times I have also actively assisted after a tornado touched down and did much damage. Each time I was admitted to the area on the basis of my call letter plates while all other folks were being turned back. Being a "HAM" in this state means something to the State Troopers and to local law enforcement agencies. We have rightfully earned their respect. More than once a State Trooper or other lawman has passed me on the highway, and waved just because of my ham tags. "HAM TAGS" are vanity plates?? I say hell no!! Come on down to this here Red Neck state and see!! Jim Starr WA4QLB Oxford Alabama ... .