Hello all!   
      
      
   I just received my braille copy yesterday, and noted that   
   the editorial and a couple of articles, including the   
   letters to editor section discussed the huge cutbacks in the bbc world   
   service's shortwave activities.   
      
   LIke or dislike the politics of the bbc you have to agree   
   that for many in less developed places shortwave radio is   
   their only reliable window on the outside world.  Power   
   distribution isn't uqibuitous or reliable, and there are no   
   smartphones, etc.   
      
   GOvernments such as those of the U.S> and other western   
   nations cannot afford to curtail shortwave broadcasting.  IT reaches the   
   otherwise missed, and helps foster understanding between cultures and nations.   
      
   The letters to the editor section had a great piece on the   
   subject from the founder of ears to our world, an   
   organization that provides human powered shortwave radios to people in   
   underdeveloped countries who would otherwise not   
   have access.  Iirc the url is etow.com but I might be wrong. Google it up if   
   that doesn't work, and if you can support   
   their work please do so.   
      
   Also, when your lawmakers start talking huge cuts in   
   international shortwave broadcasting let them know that   
   efforts toward a peaceful world will be severely hampered if they forge ahead   
   with such plans.   
      
   73   
      
      
              Richard   
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    * Origin:  (1:116/901)