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From: jhs%Mitre-Bedford@sri-unix.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.ham-radio
Subject: Re: Morse Code?
Message-ID: <1473@sri-arpa.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 30-Jun-84 20:37:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.1473
Posted: Sat Jun 30 20:37:00 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 14-Jul-84 13:18:34 EDT
Lines: 25

See my earlier message on the REAL reason they want us to learn Morse, and
quite properly so, to make us a more valuable emergency communications
resource.  Sorry if you don't feel like being a resource, but read the back
of your license.

I agree that youngsters probably have the easiest time of it, but there are
numerous cases of people of all ages learning the code.  The MOTHER of one of
our local hams learned the code and got her ticket (Advanced, I believe, by
now) at the age of 74.  This is by no means an isolated instance, either.
Many people take up ham radio after retiring at 65.

Regarding Japan's experience, they are currently experiencing massive band
crowding and a surprising lack of radio discipline, considering the cultural
traditions of Japan.  I don't think Japan is a good recommendation for a
code-free license class.

Now that the argument is over as far as the FCC is concerned for (I am told)
at least twelve years, we should all pitch in and try to help and encourage
aspiring hams to get past the very minor obstacle that the code represents.
If anybody out there needs help or encouragement or tapes or on-the-air
practice, let me know and I for one will be glad to try to help you.

						73,
						John H. Sangster, W3IKG
						jhs at mitre-bedford