RadioBanter - View Single Post

November 27th 03, 02:58 PM

In article ,
(Steve Robeson, K4CAP) writes:

"KØHB" wrote in message
rthlink.net...
"N2EY" wrote

In fact, except for the most basic of rules and regulations, your
argument leads to the inescapable conclusion that it is not necessary
for the goals and purposes of the Amateur Radio Service at this point
to mandate *any* learning through a testing requirement.

If you want people to quit making fun of you, quit posting such laughable
reductio ad absurdum arguments.

As anyone who understands formal logic knows, reductio ad absurdum is a valid
way of evaluating the validity of an assertion.

It works like this: An assertion is analyzed by logical methods, and if the
result is an absurdity, the original statement must be false.

So far the only people I see "making fun" of Jim Miccolis are
those who cannot adequately argue the topic being debated, Hans.

That says it all right there, Steve. Ridicule the messenger rather than deal
with the message.

There ARE those who make an arguement that the Amateur Radio
license should be nothing more than an expensive permit. It's been
archived here, Hans, and remains an "on-the-fringe" concept, but worse
ideas have made it into law.

Yup. And the way it's being done is a little step at a time - just like other
requirements were eliminated. Like nonrenewable entry level licenses, tests
conducted by the FCC from a nonpublished test pool, experience requirements,
etc.

As you are well aware, part of the FCC's Basis and Purpose of the
Amateur Radio Service is an expectation of technical learning.

Of course. But does that mean *all* hams must be *forced* to do some, just to
get the license? Can't technical learning stand on its own merits without a
Federally mandated welfare/support program?

Part of our B&P is public service comms, but there's no requirement that hams
learn how to do them or participate in them to get or keep a license.

We are
effectively eliminating much of the "skill" reqirements,

I think you mean "all"...

so how hard a
stretch is it to see some element of society arguing to eliminate any
technical knowledge, too...?!?!

More important - how can those arguments be countered?

73 de Jim, N2EY