Website: www.freeweb.com/fed_up

Thank you to those who have responded to the previous posting. We are
working hard to catch up on correspondence. Apparently there are a lot more
hams who are disgusted with the deterioration of the hobby than we thought.
As for the emails we have received with threatening or obscene (and many,
just plain stupid) comments, thank you; we plan to post the most ridiculous
ones on our website when it is fully assembled.
For those of you who missed the first posting, the original CALL TO ACTION -
CW ADVOCACY GROUP FORMING newsgroup posting follows. For you supercillious
phonies who bellyache that this if "off topic", may we remind you that you
sat by and said nothing during all of the anti-CW postings that have
appeared here. Apparently those were "on topic." It matters not whether we
are "granpaws" (sic) or "dinosaurs" or whatever other epithets you feel you
wish to sling; one thing is sure, that you are a prime example of the death
of free speech which should be a cornerstone of any communication service in
a free society. Besides that, what makes you think that a "granpaw" has lost
his right to expressing his opinion? Perhaps in YOUR world you would deny
your own "granpaw" his right to an opinion. Perhaps in your world you need
to remember that you are not getting any younger either and, sooner or
later, you'll be there too. By the way, this writer is hardly a "granpaw,"
so your assertion doesn't stick.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------

CALL TO ACTION - CW ADVOCACY GROUP FORMING

This is not a warm and fuzzy “feel good” letter like much of the
baloney you read in the ham radio press. If you are one of those individuals
who don’t mind a little sand kicked in your face as long as you have your
grandchildren on your lap yakking away on your Kensu Pro Mark III, we urge
you to read no further. Ugly truth follows. But, as they say, the “devil
that you know is better than the one you don’t.”

The time has come (and it may indeed have passed) for trying to fix
what ails ham radio. Ham radio has gone down “for the count.” It has been
sucker-punched with corrupt referees allowing much “dirty fighting” and
knees to the groin. Regardless of the grand schemes of the ham radio
aristocracy, the numbers are down. People aren’t getting licenses anymore
for many reasons but largely, because it has become a meaningless exercise.
It is no longer an achievement of anything. So, they drift away. Years ago
the ham population was a fraction of the size it is today and no one worried
about how many hams there were. The only reason they keep dragging out this
silly numbers issue is because of how many magazine subscriptions and
transceiver sales it represents. THAT IS IT. Follow the money trail and you
will always be led to the culprit. It has nothing whatsoever to do with any
noble concern over sharing the ham radio experience with as many people as
possible. It’s pure greed.

It is time we CW operators grow some hair on our chests. We have sat by
and watched the FCC, Newington, manufacturers (you know which ones) and “No
Code International” playing freely with this once great avocation. We CW
operators have bootlicked and tried to remain passive and gentlemanly while
they vandalized and stole from us. We have tried so hard to abide by Paul
Segal’s “Amateurs’ Creed” that was pounded into us that we were fearful that
our speaking up would break one of his sacred commandments.

It is insulting that lobbying by the “no code” idiots and those who
stand to benefit from amateur radio entrepreneurship have succeeded in
weakening the licensing requirements. They continue to chisel away at the
license and enable people with little investment in learning and commitment
to share the same spectrum with true ham operators.

We propose a federation of real amateur radio operators who are fed up
with the diminished requirements cheapening the license achievement they
were once proud to have. We propose a federation of people who are disgusted
with the beating that the Morse code and the integrity of the licensing
examination have taken. We propose to fight back. The mountain is steep and
our adversaries have been able to get better footing. We probably cannot
win…. It may simply be too late. But maybe we can soften how bad the impact
will be when ham radio crashes to the ground. Also we can at least show
those who are solely responsible for the end of the amateur radio service
(which some have predicted could be within 10 years) that they personally
destroyed a great communications service.

Earnest and dedicated ham operators must express outrage. Those
puff-headed sycophants who we hear spewing the propaganda about "need for
change" need to be challenged. Amateur radio is NOT about enabling kids to
mumble nonsense on a 2-meter handi-talkie or how many secretaries in the
front office in Newington got their faux- “Extra” class license. By reducing
requirements and making a ham license easier to obtain DOES NOT MAKE FOR ANY
SORT OF AN ACCOMPLISHMENT. Period. Amateur radio at one time was steeped in
solid traditions and pride of accomplishing what it took to wear the title.
Amateur radio was The Genuine Article. It was real. It had solid
requirements and those who aspired to fulfill those requirements had reason
to be proud of their achievement. NPRMs have repeatedly received
overwhelming rejection but yet they are made into law. Why aren’t they
listening to the respondents? Why are the only ones they listen to the
minority? The answer is this: because there is no respect for the playground
weaklings.


FED UP CALLING FREQUENCIES – Bottom of “new” phone band
(e.g 3600 KHZ , 7100 KHZ
etc)

CW operators have just suffered a slap to the face by the diminished CW
sub-bands in the so-called “Omnibus bill.” We propose all CW operators
register disapproval by continuing to use the old sub-bands. PLEASE NOTE:
Before the angry emails start, understand that we are NOT advocating
intentional interference to phone operations! We CAN co-exist. God knows we
US CW operators have been putting up with Canadian phone QRM in our US CW
bands for years. Shouldn’t “What’s good for the goose is good for the
gander” prevail here? Why are the phone operators treated as such hothouse
orchids? . For starters, on each amateur radio band, we propose the
frequency that separates the CW and the phone sub-bands become a CW calling
frequency for FEDUP hams to share thoughts and camaraderie with like
individuals (For instance, 3600 KHz). Since CW operations are permitted from
3500 to 4000 khz, our operation on the bottom end of the “new” phone band is
not violating anything. Phone operators, however, will be restricted from
using this frequency since splatter would fall outside of their sub-band.

We propose establishment of an organization to be known as FEDERATION
FOR UNCOMPROMISED PROFICIENCY (FED UP). To this end we are soliciting people
willing to help write letters (FCC commissioners, congressmen, USA Today,
agencies, manufacturers, magazine advertisers that use anti-CW
publications...anyone influential to whom we can express our dissatisfaction
as to what has been going on in this communications service). We are also
soliciting hams with expertise in legal matters, media, business and
marketing who would like to help us. Our goal is establishment of a
professional lobbying effort to reverse the damage that has been done to the
amateur radio service, the license, the quality of operators and the future
of the service. The primary focus is re-establishment of proficiency to the
amateur radio license and awarding levels of proficiency with privileges.
Yes, this has been tried as recently as the last couple of years. Like we
said earlier we are going uphill and it is not “politically correct” in
today’s amateur radio environment. But WE NEED TO BECOME MORE VOCAL. We need
to stop being fainting goats. We need to get some FIRE IN OUR BELLIES and
fight!

If you are interested in helping us put together an organization to
challenge the horrific FCC rules and regulations and the idiotic policies
that have been imposed on ham radio operators, we invite you to contact us.
When we see what the interest level is we can better assess a potential
group’s structure. Obviously our first order of business will be
establishment of a core mission and an executive staff to drive this effort.
Please email us at . Please be patient for our reply. We
will respond to all serious inquiries personally. No doubt we will get a lot
of moronic and angry emails, which will simply be deleted. Even so, it no
doubt will take time to wade through the legitimate ones. And
confidentiality will be maintained because we know none of you wish to put
up with an e-mail inbox full of messages from goofballs.

We have been ignored because we’ve consistently lied down and complied.
The bullies always pick on the kid who is most passive. We’ve been in such
a rush to show how agreeable we are with all the “crap propaganda” coming
out of the ham magazines, that we didn’t even notice how the good things
were slipping away. Our attention was diverted from their erosion of
technical proficiency and abilities as a well-rounded communications
operator (including knowing the Morse code) while they distracted us with
the razzle-dazzle of vanity callsign giveaways and a host of scary-but-bogus
threats to the welfare of ham radio.

If you’ve got any fight left in you we’d like to hear from you.

73, ZUT and QTX

Organizational Committee
Federation for Uncompromised Proficiency (Fed UP)

In article ,
(known to some as FED UP) scribed...

The time has come (and it may indeed have passed) for trying to fix
what ails ham radio.

snippety

The only thing that truly "ails" the amateur radio service is those
who are committed to spreading messages of hate and prejudice against
those who choose a path for getting their license that said spreaders
don't happen to like.

If you're no longer happy with the HOBBY, then find another one.
Don't let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.

*PLONK!*


--
Dr. Anton T. Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
http://www.bluefeathertech.com -- kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t calm
"Salvadore Dali's computer has surreal ports..."

(Followups Set)

FED UP wrote:
Website: www.freeweb.com/fed_up

Thank you to those who have responded to the previous posting. We are
working hard to catch up on correspondence. Apparently there are a lot more
hams who are disgusted with the deterioration of the hobby than we thought.
As for the emails we have received with threatening or obscene (and many,
just plain stupid) comments, thank you; we plan to post the most ridiculous
ones on our website when it is fully assembled.

No offense, but I think that you should include some of your own.

For those of you who missed the first posting, the original CALL TO ACTION -
CW ADVOCACY GROUP FORMING newsgroup posting follows. For you supercillious (sic)
phonies who bellyache that this if "off topic", may we remind you that you
sat by and said nothing during all of the anti-CW postings that have
appeared here. Apparently those were "on topic."

Apparently, you mistake forbearance and tolerance for acceptance: your
post appeared in rec.radio.amateur.boatanchors, so I was reluctant to
reply because it _is_ off-topic there. I have cross-posted this reply to
rec.radio.amateur.policy, and I've set the followup-to field. I hope you
can show the readers of r.r.a.b (and the other groups you've posted to)
an example of proper Usenet operating practice and Netiquette, by moving
this discussion to rec.radio.amateur.policy.

It matters not whether we
are "granpaws" (sic) or "dinosaurs" or whatever other epithets you feel you
wish to sling; one thing is sure, that you are a prime example of the death
of free speech which should be a cornerstone of any communication service in
a free society.

If you are a grandfather, congratulations: having lived to an age where
that is likely, I assume you have learned that life is not always as
simple or as kind as we might have wished when we were children. It does
little good, and indeed probably does harm, to bemoan a past that is
gone forever, and it does nobody any good to insult those who disagree
with you.


Besides that, what makes you think that a "granpaw" has lost
his right to expressing his opinion? Perhaps in YOUR world you would deny
your own "granpaw" his right to an opinion. Perhaps in your world you need
to remember that you are not getting any younger either and, sooner or
later, you'll be there too. By the way, this writer is hardly a "granpaw,"
so your assertion doesn't stick.

My Grandfather was never shy about expressing his opinion: he was a
politician, and he knew how to do it with grace, humor, the occasional
barb, and (above all) with the facts on his side.

He also knew, and taught me, the most important lesson of leadership:
when you don't know what you're talking about, you should be silent.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALL TO ACTION - CW ADVOCACY GROUP FORMING

[snip]

The time has come (and it may indeed have passed) for trying to fix
what ails ham radio. Ham radio has gone down “for the count.” [snip]

It is time we CW operators grow some hair on our chests. We have sat by
and watched the FCC, Newington, manufacturers (you know which ones) and “No
Code International” playing freely with this once great avocation. We CW
operators have bootlicked and tried to remain passive and gentlemanly while
they vandalized and stole from us. We have tried so hard to abide by Paul
Segal’s “Amateurs’ Creed” that was pounded into us that we were fearful that
our speaking up would break one of his sacred commandments.

[remainder snipped]

IMNSHO, what "ails" ham radio is nothing more or less than the
Negroponte Switch (http://www.answers.com/topic/negroponte-switch).
Since there is no longer a need for wireless communication between fixed
points, and since cell phones and other modern-day wonders have obviated
the need for autopatches, and since the GI's overseas can now access
VoIP for calls to their loved ones, hams from "The Old School" are
finding themselves feeling unwanted and unloved as the world moves to
digital modes: technology changes, and it changes our hobby too.

In years past, society found use for our talents: ships at sea needed to
be able to call for help, natural disasters disrupted the telephone
service, remote locations found radio more effective and cheaper than
running phone lines and/or undersea cables, and even aircraft had to
employ Morse operators in order to stay in touch with shore stations.

I'm sorry, but times have changed: I climbed the mountain to 20 WPM, so
I'm entitled to say if the view was worth the effort - it was - but I
hate to break the news, OM, that you and I are obsolete.

There was a time when hams could count on help from the Pentagon at
every frequency conference, because we were a trained pool of operators
that could be pressed into service quickly during wartime. Military
electronics, however, are now so secret and so complex that troops can't
maintain them in the field: uniformed techs are reduced to doing board
swaps based on "Good/No Good" indicators from portable automated testers.

In civilian life, as well, not only CW but even basic voice training is
outmoded (pun intended). Satellites have obviated the need for the radio
operators at sea in almost all cases, and in those situations that still
call for longwave radio, SSB has obviated the need for Morse operators:
we need only look at ARINC to see proof that it works effectively. As
if the satellite's footprint wasn't a heavy enough burden (again, pun
intended), we see that even in Antarctica, underseas or overland
fiber-optics may be used to fill gaps in satellite coverage.

Let's speak frankly: there is a natural, understandable urge to want to
turn back the clock. I'm human, too, so I understand your nostalgia for
a time when our hard-won skills were valued and salable: I worked as a
broadcast engineer to help pay for college, and even those of us not
working in radio found it easy to impress our girlfriends by ordering a
pizza via an autopatch, or to horrify our teachers by quoting Radio
Moscow in high-school essays. There was a time when knowing the formulas
and the rules - and the code - was a sort of status symbol, and, if
nothing else, we can all say that we were Geeks before it was fashionable.

Times have changed: while the code was once a part of our national
defense plans, it is no longer a ticket to a seat at the
frequency-allocations table, nor justification for the free goodies that
I enjoyed as a MARS operator, nor even a way to impress teenagers who
grew up with cell phones and don't care how they work. As an Extra-class
Amateur who still uses CW, I must regretfully say that if we're to
remain more than a historical footnote in the history of communications,
then we must all find ways to serve our communities with new techniques
and new technologies.

CW remains what it always was: a fundamental mode that allows low power,
inefficient antennas, and outdated electronics to be used for effective
communication. As such, it is, paradoxically, still viable for ham radio
even as more well-healed users trade up to the Clarke belt. In addition,
CW is proof that we obtained a difficult goal by personal sacrifice, and
it's OK to be proud of that achievement: if that's what brings joy to
your life, by all means keep the Vibroplex and your skills polished.

The future of ham radio is, and should be, debatable. While I hope that
we hams will acquire the modern equipment, skills, and training needed
to serve the public in the Twenty-First century, I'm not starry-eyed as
to our prospects: the "low hanging fruit" was picked years ago. The only
thing I can say for certain is that divisive, sarcastic, and angry calls
for a return to the "good old days" won't do anyone any good.

William

(Filter noise from my address for direct replies)


--
A little learning is a dang'rous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring;
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.
-- Alexander Pope, Essay on Criticism

I believe the points made in the Fedup postings are pretty good. It
seems like everytime
anyone objects to anything they are immediately labeled as "spreading
hate and
prejudice."

Truth is, no endeavor of betterment has ever NOT started with self
critique.

I do agree with the writer that hams have become hot house orchids in
this
respect.

Why should anyone not agreeing with you need to find a new hobby? What
gives you more rights?

Finally, for crying out loud, can using contrived words like "arse."
Say
what you mean and mean what you say. If you mean "ass," say ass.

Smokey

The only thing that truly "ails" the amateur radio service is those
who are committed to spreading messages of hate and prejudice against
those who choose a path for getting their license that said spreaders
don't happen to like.

If you're no longer happy with the HOBBY, then find another one.
Don't let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.

"Smokey" wrote in message
...
I believe the points made in the Fedup postings are pretty good. It
seems like everytime
anyone objects to anything they are immediately labeled as "spreading
hate and
prejudice."

Truth is, no endeavor of betterment has ever NOT started with self
critique.

I do agree with the writer that hams have become hot house orchids in
this
respect.

Why should anyone not agreeing with you need to find a new hobby? What
gives you more rights?

Finally, for crying out loud, can using contrived words like "arse."
Say
what you mean and mean what you say. If you mean "ass," say ass.

Smokey

The only thing that truly "ails" the amateur radio service is those
who are committed to spreading messages of hate and prejudice against
those who choose a path for getting their license that said spreaders
don't happen to like.

If you're no longer happy with the HOBBY, then find another one.
Don't let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.



Oh, I don't know..... I think you "both" may have some points. No one should
be "forced" from the hobby - however - there are those whose apparent love
of CW still think it is the saviour of the world and the hobby - it is NOT.
CW is being used as a wedge to cause a deep divide amongst our ranks. Those
who LOVE it and think it needs to stay. Those who had it but don't use it.
Those who have yet to break into Amateur Radio. Should those like the OP of
this thread be forced from the hobby due to their opinions? NO - but then
neither should new folks interested in becoming hams - based on their lack
of interest for "CW". CW has NOT kept the bands clean as some have tried to
impress upon the world. It is time you admit that.

As for "finding" a new hobby..... that reminds me of so many who always say
"I HATE MY JOB". OK - so go get another one! Case in point - bus drivers - I
knew a few who couldn't STAND working with the public. Well - you chose the
WRONG field. Go find a job you'll be happy with - then YOU will be happy,
your fellow employees will be happy - your family, etc. No one will have to
hear your whining. AND those you couldn't stand - won't be there - anymore.

IF you can't stand it because "CW" is being outcast - well - there is NO
easy out - there. It is a fact of life - we must accept. So, either LIVE
WITH IT - OR - DO find something that won't "frustrate" you - due to
changes. After all - WHAT GOOD - is a hobby or JOB - if you can no longer
"enjoy" it? It makes no sense to stay in it - if all it does is cause pain
and hardship. There is NO sense arguing with fellow hams and casting others
aside showing interest - JUST BECAUSE a mode is being antiquated. That is
doing no good for the hobby OR any "person". CW isn't "THEE" answer to all
the Ham problems existing - real OR imagined.

Kids today don't take to hobbies like US older people did. They're not being
led down the paths - be it by parents OR teachers - to DISCOVER. In the last
10 years, I've "rarely" heard of any "Science Fairs" - which as children -
most of us were implored to submit entries for. Most shop classes are
shutting down - at least here they have. The ONLY source of electronics they
see here now - is IF they go to a Tech school or the military after
graduation. Even the Vo-Tech schools are left for those with a "C" average
or better - which sucks. Children "have" to fit in educationally -
SOMEWHERE. Maybe they're not that great at History, Math, etc. Maybe - like
many others - they have a knack to learn what "does" interest them - be it
"Mechanics", "Electronics", "Electrical". I know many who failed school but
are damned good at their respected jobs of those just mentioned. They got
there by learning as a CHILD then progressing through other courses they
could take - even if it were "night" classes that they could "pay" to take
at the "Vo-Tech" schools.

So - if kids today aren't being shown anything to spark their interest and
they don't touch electronics til they get it in Tech school or the
military - and I'm talking "in depth" - NOT using IPODS, COMPUTERS, MP3s,
CELLS - without getting inside them - then by that time - they've WASTED
many good "learning" years.

Bush talks of "no child left behind"! I have news for him - MANY ARE -
around here - the emphasis is on FOOTBALL - to hell with Academics. AGAIN I
say - of say 10 graduating classes - hundreds of students - DOZENS of
football players OR basketball/baseball for that matter - "MAYBE" one gets a
scholarship to college for FOOTBALL (or the others) and MAYBE he may go to
the pros. I've known MANY good players and they went no further than high
school. These players were touted as great by coaches, parents, umpires,
etc.
They're working for a living just like the rest of us. With our Educational
system NOT pursuing the arts of metal, electrical and so on - we will
eventually fall behind in skills. History, Math and so on - are great - I'm
not knocking them - but SOMEONE has to learn the skills!

CW is DEAD. CW has gone the way of smoke signals and war bearing tom toms.
Fighting for the survival of CW is like fighting to keep a person alive for
eternity - it ain't happening. Accept life and move on. There is NO sense
making enemies over something so ridiculous - especially with those you
don't even know.
You LOVE CW? Fine - USE IT - contact anyone you can on the bands in CW.
ENJOY IT! No one is forcing you to NOT use it or enjoy it. Personally, I'm
not into CW - but I do tune in once in a while. But I'm not going to tell
others to NOT use it or learn it - that is a matter of personal choice.

Smokey wrote:
: Finally, for crying out loud, can using contrived words like "arse."
: Say
: what you mean and mean what you say. If you mean "ass," say ass.
Contrived?

arse == butt/bum
ass == donkey/mule
--
73 Chris Cox N0UK, G4JEC, ex-AB0CN, ex-G8PTC RNARS #1157 EN34jv33

WWW Home Page: http://WWW.Chris.Org/ http://www.pingjockey.net
Cultural observation:
Europeans think 100 miles is a long way;
Americans think 100 years is a long time!

wrote in message
...
Smokey wrote:
: Finally, for crying out loud, can using contrived words like
"arse."
: Say
: what you mean and mean what you say. If you mean "ass," say ass.
Contrived?

arse == butt/bum
ass == donkey/mule
--
73 Chris Cox N0UK, G4JEC, ex-AB0CN, ex-G8PTC RNARS #1157 EN34jv33

WWW Home Page: http://WWW.Chris.Org/ http://www.pingjockey.net
Cultural observation:
Europeans think 100 miles is a long way;
Americans think 100 years is a long time!

Whatever the case - we all know how this thread got started - and if you
forgot - read the title. AS OF 12/15 - the FCC has all but eliminated MORSE
CODE (CW). It is no longer required on tests......... So - CW Advocacy
group - GET A GRIP. As I said - if you love CW - go for it - use it all you
want - there are many who still do use it. But it isn't worth it to make
enemies over a mode - WE had no choice over. The FCC made it a part of Ham -
and the FCC took it away as a part of Ham. WE had nothing to say. ENJOY your
commaradery with your fellow hams and forget this FOOLISH argument - once
and for all - IT IS OVER. DEAD.

The Troll-O-Meter just pegged at 10.

On 12/17/06 8:54 AM, in article
, "John S."
wrote:


The Troll-O-Meter just pegged at 10.


Without knowing something about the signal that you think caused it to pin,
it's hard to tell if the signal really caused it or if the meter drive
circuit is faulty. I hope this isn't too subtle.

Don Bowey wrote:
On 12/17/06 8:54 AM, in article
, "John S."
wrote:


The Troll-O-Meter just pegged at 10.


Without knowing something about the signal that you think caused it to pin,
it's hard to tell if the signal really caused it or if the meter drive
circuit is faulty. I hope this isn't too subtle.

At best the post might be considered to be a poor attempt at humor.
Wikipedia has an extensive discussion of internet trolls and the post
scores as the product of a troll in more than one way. Hopefully this
is direct enough that you can understand its meaning.

For what it is worth the elimination of the CW test is probably 30
years too late, but it is a step forward. Next problem to be tackled
is the remainder of the test. Essentially it should be scrapped and a
single test should be developed that checks for: 1. knowlege of radio
theory. 2. The prospective ham would be required to set up a ham
station in a safe manner and would be required to demonstrate the
ability to operate on a concise and courteous manner. One he passed
those components he would be given access to all ham bands.

And existing licenses would be grandfathered in for full coverage.

Given the lightning speed with which the ARRL, FCC and the hobby at
large has responded to the morse code problem i would guess it will
take another 70 years to tackle the remainder of the test.