[net.ham-radio] CW requirement: A changed opinion

ad7i (11/24/82)

ad7i msg 24:

I can't help but add my comments and thoughts concerning the
CW requirement controversey for amateur radio licenses.

I have vasillated several times on this issue.
However, I now think that my opinion has been finalized.
I no longer support the code-free license for the following
reasons:

1)	Learning CW at 5 WPM is not an undue burden for
	the privilidge of using the public's airwaves.
	It is easy.  It does require a little work.

2)	CW is a "language transparent" communications mode.
	That is, with standard internationally adopted
	abbreviations, I can communicate with others that
	do not have a spoken language in common with me.

3)	Finally, and most importantly, CW is a mode
	that radios utilizing different modulation methods
	can always use to communicate.  If one is AM and the
	other is PM, that's ok.  CW is a pain to copy on an AM
	receiver but it can be done at 5 WPM.  If a
	station is causing interference on a channel, regardless
	of modulation, other stations should be able to inform
	him of that and he SHOULD BE ABLE to understand those
	messages.  Be it at 20 WPM or 2 WPM;  I will be happy
	to accomodate him.

I think that item 3 is the one that hits the mark.
If someone is causing YOU interference, it is not unreasonable to
expect them to be required to understand your messages telling
them to GET THE HELL OFF THE CHANNEL, QSO IN PROGRESS!
No excuses.
			QRT de ad7i