John Smith wrote:
I just support removing code because no new hams are using it in any
meaningful numbers.

I've seen plenty of new hams use Morse Code on the air. And plenty who
use other modes. What information do you have to show that "no new hams
are using it in any meaningful numbers."

The new state of the art hams are interested in hooking a modem up and
interfacing the radio to the computer...

Some are - some aren't.

Hook up a code key and they loose interest immediately...

Depends on how you present it. And the word is "lose"....

Now, a bunch of old guys who are computer illiterate have no choice than
to try to amuse themselves with a damn key...

Well, that leaves me out, because I'm neither old nor computer
illiterate.


"Jim Hampton" wrote in message
...
John,

You could make the same assertion about a driver's license. Memorize
some
rules and take a road test.

Do you support eliminating motor vehicle tests? Perhaps only for
college
educated folks?

Might it make sense to require folks to know where the band edges are,
or
would you think it doesn't matter.

If you travel to the U.K., do you think it might be smart to
understand that
they drive on the *left* side of the road rather than the right? Even
if
you are a pedestrian?

I suspect you'd be upset if someone started transmitting on your
Direct Tv
frequencies and killed your reception. There are rules and folks
wishing
licenses are supposed to demonstrate some knowledge of those rules.
These
rules do not require the calculus, yet even a college grad has to
demonstrate some knowledge of them.

73 from Rochester, NY
Jim AA2QA


"John Smith" wrote in message
...
... the amateur tests are a trivial problem to men with real
educations...

... the cw part makes as much sense as learning to play a "jew's
harp"--a lot of sense if you wish to, none if you don't...

Warmest regards,
John