Please refer to the link below from AMATEUR RADIO NEWS by Doug Aiken,
K1WPM:

http://www.imsasafety.org/journal/novdec/node1.htm

Pay particular attention to the part entitled 'Background of Vanity
Call Signs.'

Just because the FCC is ostensibly ignoring what the majority (IMHO) of
U.S. amateur radio operators want for their service, it doesn't mean
we cant have a more meaningful say in the final outcome.

Now is the time to write or e-mail our elected representatives. Even if
they are not the folks you personally voted for or plan on voting for,
send them a simple note asking for their assistance in getting the FCC
to respect your (Our?) wishes. All that's really needed is for
someone who actually has some influence on matters affecting the FCC
budget to make an inquiry or two.

Write the folks that send you campaign material as well. It only takes
a moment or two, but the results can be gratifying.

Vy 73 de Bert
WA2SI

From: Bert Craig on Aug 9, 9:56 am

Please refer to the link below from AMATEUR RADIO NEWS by Doug Aiken,
K1WPM:

http://www.imsasafety.org/journal/novdec/node1.htm

Pay particular attention to the part entitled 'Background of Vanity
Call Signs.'

Just because the FCC is ostensibly ignoring what the majority (IMHO) of
U.S. amateur radio operators want for their service, it doesn't mean
we cant have a more meaningful say in the final outcome.

Bert, the "majority" isn't always what you or your particular
group wants, so it is common practice to equate yourself and
your group to this nebulous "majority."

As of midnight EDT on 8 August 2005, the ratio of unambiguous
FOR-the-code-test-elimination-NPRM to the unambiguous AGAINST-
the-NPRM was 2.23:1.

While I know that you are against the NPRM - I've read every
single one of the 1210 Comments posted to WT Docket 05-235
which includes yours - it should be fairly clear that the
REAL Majority just doesn't want the code test for any class
license test. That's just how it is after the 14th day of
Comments.

Now is the time to write or e-mail our elected representatives.

That is ALWAYS good advice for any citizen on ANY law
matter or law pending.

Elected officials (as well as just representatives) are often
included in the front pages of telephone "white pages." If
those are unavailable, government officials can be found via
the websites of cities, counties (or townships), and states.
For those officials in the federal government, those can be
found through the U.S. federal government home website and
its links.

Be aware and informed.

Even if
they are not the folks you personally voted for or plan on voting for,
send them a simple note asking for their assistance in getting the FCC
to respect your (Our?) wishes. All that's really needed is for
someone who actually has some influence on matters affecting the FCC
budget to make an inquiry or two.

Ahem...it works both ways, Bert. :-)

Write the folks that send you campaign material as well. It only takes
a moment or two, but the results can be gratifying.

It's even better when one participates in in-person meetings
(such as where my wife and I were last Thursday)...but those
are rather restricted to very local matters.

off net