Re: [amsat-bb] Box-tops ("did it the hard way")

["Bill Ford" <billf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In spite of my callsign, I'm an extra class operator. I too "did it 
the hard way". I'm an ARRL VE and for a time after the last 
restructuring (code-free techs) our VE team did not give tests. After 
about six months, we looked at the situation again and decided to 
give it a try. The result was that we have tested a large number of 
code-free techs and most have go to be valued members of our amateur 
radio community. Many have upgraded their licenses. 

I think the biggest losers in this whole thing are those who may 
never have the opportunity of taking and passing the 20 wpm code 
test. Remember the rush and exhiliration that you got when the 
examiner nodded his head that you had passed?

My biggest objection to the whole thing that those of us who "did it 
the hard way" will no longer recognized for the accomplishment. 
Perhaps if the FCC continued to renew "EXTRA" class licenses while 
issuing the class "A" license to those who now upgrade. 

I was through this once before with the FCC. I held a First Class 
Commercial License, then the FCC dropped that class and lumped all 
the holders of the Second Class and First Class licenses into a new 
"General" class commercial license.

Finally, let's all remember that this is ONLY a PROPOSAL. It has a 
long way to go before it becomes law. I see from the comments that 
people believe that ARRL and AMSAT are the mysterious nebuluous 
"THEY".  As in "They did this" or "they did that".  WE ARE "THEY".

At this point, if you have ideas on this PROPOSAL a well though 
response instead of a knee-jerk reaction is in order. Let your ARRL 
director know how you feel. The ARRL directors are doing exactly what 
they are "PAID" to do. The have run an idea up the flagpole. Now 
let's see which way the wind blows.

73
Bill, WB5SXK



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Bill Ford       HAM CALL:WB5SXK         Voice: (601) 631-2995
Computer Specialist                     Fax:   (601) 634-4565
City of Vicksburg         EMAIL:        billf@vickpfe.ci.vicksburg.ms.us
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