I agree.  and to be totally honest, I do not understand how some of these people passed their test. Frankly there is a guy here who lives in nearby durham who literally has no clue what bands are vhf  uhf  and hf yet he somehow go this general class license at a handihams radio camp. For the money that they pay to go to those camps, well north of a grand for a week, One wonders how uch “help” they receive come time to take their test. I hold an extra class license and the only help I received besides good study materials was to have someone read my test to me and write down the answers I chose. I just do not understand the complete lack of the most basic knowledge I see in some hams, weather on line or on the air. I think perhaps the tests are not nearly difficult enough. I know we need numbers in our hobby,but numbers at what price? Some of the questions I see and hear around are enough to make me wonder if these people should be allowed around ac outlets let alone on the air as they seem to almost be a danger to themselves and others.  I know I have gone off before and said things that were not appropriate, but there is a difference between going off, and having no clue whatsoever what one is talking about.

To make this more radio relaed and interesting, I had a fun conversation with a guy  locally on 40 meters who builds amplifiers for fun. It made me wonder if someday I might be able to build my own amp. I am certainly going to look into doing it someday.
Michael Thurman
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On May 17, 2014, at 2:46 PM, Alan R. Downing <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Jim, One of the disappointing aspects of this list is that so many members
> feel obligated to express an opinion about every topic that comes up.  I
> have been very close to unsubscribing from the list because it is largely
> inefficient, and of very marginal value.
> 
> Just sayin'
> 
> 
> Alan R. Downing
> Phoenix, AZ
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Jim Gammon
> Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2014 9:17 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Ok already, enough!
> 
> Seems like we have beaten this dead horse too many times! Jim 
> WA6EKS