Eric Hutchins wrote in a message to Roy Witt:   
      
    EH> @MSGID: 1:218/150 00000872   
    EH> @PID: VA-VFIDO 2.10 96100282   
   > Not at all. If it weren't for the demise of the code test, CBers wouldn't   
   > be applying for a license.   
      
    EH> I don't understand why someone would be against the no-code test. I   
    EH> was a no code tech, and then I passed my General, but could not get   
    EH> passed the code part, so I stayed a no-code tech until the   
    EH> requirement for the code was dropped. I re-tested and passed   
    EH> (again), and now I am studying for my Extra class. Would you rather   
    EH> let the hobby languish and disappear than be invigorated with new   
    EH> hams? besides, most new hams I have heard on the air, are much more   
    EH> appreciative of the privileges that the so called 'original' hams.    
      
      
   May I Jump in here?   
      
   I am of the viewpoint that there are all kinds of operators, and the code or   
   license class does not necessarily make a good operator. It may or may not   
   make them a better electronics technician, but Amateur radio is multi faceted.   
   Mainly though it's about communication. A basic license class op with no code   
   can be a top notch op just as well as a top license class with 30wpm can be a   
   total lid op.   
      
   I have seen top license class ops call and call on a DX pilup even call over   
   top of the DX Station. Plainly they just aren't listening or haven't listened   
   and they're on simplex when the DX is working Split up 5 to 10.   
      
   I think there will always be the Good'ol'boys club guys that think that only   
   the old school ways are best. It just isn't so. There are a lot of people who   
   experiment and come up with good ideas and creative solutions only because of   
   there interest in the hobby, not because of the license class they hold or how   
   many WPM they can pound out on a straight key.   
      
   Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to be said for the level of knowlege to   
   pass the higher class licenses but I really doesn't necessarily make him/her a   
   better operator.   
      
    EH> I was a member of REACT for over 25 years and in all that time, I   
    EH> would put many of my fellow members up against any hams that looked   
    EH> down their noses at us. We were all after the same thing, public   
    EH> service.    
      
   And so would I. I had dealings with REACT back in my old CB days, and there   
   were quite a number of highly skilled communicators that gave many hours of   
   their time to monitor and support that system.   
      
   I use the term above "License Class" as here in Canada our classes are   
   different than in the US.   
      
   FWIW, I have my code, but have never really used it. I found it fun to learn,   
   but that was not my calling with Ham Radio. I worked darned hard to even get   
   my Basic license here but I consider myself a good operator and work at being   
   respectful to others while on the air.   
   Just my 2 bits worth    
   Cheers,   
      
    Derek (VE7RE)    
   --- GEcho 1.11+   
    * Origin:  Maria & Derek's BBS Delta,BC (CANADA) 604-948-2580  (1:153/7041)