ham radio for the sakeof ham radio without ever turning on a radio is a pathetic waste of time and I'd turn inmy license if I couldn't operate
On May 3, 2011, at 6:11 PM, Richard Fiorello wrote:

> I just can't resist.  I don't think things have  dumbed down at all just 
> changed.  I'm not talking so much about the exams but day to day 
> activity.  Radio has become more and more computer dependant whether I 
> like it or not.  My drake tr4 back in 1973 didn't know what a menu was. 
> It was wonderful.
> As someone else very correctly mentioned problems are made worse by the 
> fact that more and more hams are living in locations where antennas are 
> a problem.  Also the average age in many clubs is getting much older and 
> there just isn't that zest to tackle that 60 foot tower.
> In my locality I have found that eager helpers for those projects I find 
> challenging aren't nearly as available as they were in yester year. 
> Partially because life is more busy and partially because many folks 
> just aren't up to the task.
> The club I belong to has a number of extras who have no station and 
> other than limited club activity haven't operated from their own qth. 
> Something really dumb like a requirement to work all states prior to 
> taking the extra exam would start a lively debate.
> The club president who teaches classes for new hams has no station or 
> antenna.
> I don't think he is into echo link either.  Ham radio for the sake of 
> ham radio without ever turning on a radio is a interesting thought.
> 
> -- 
> richard