Arrl "getting it"...

Ed,

Good comments. I sure hope the ARRL finally gets it. I read the R&O front to back last night and it is obvious that the ARRL has lost any clout it might of had with the FCC. While I am an ARRL member, and probably will remain one, I will be looking for another organization that is actually progressive in its outlook (part of the the Amateur Radio mandate) and the is actually in touch with Ham Radio today. The ARRL is simply not viewed by the FCC as the leader and spokesman for the Ameteur Radio community anymore. This is a golden opportunity for other or new organizations to step up the plate and take a swing at REAL LEADERSHIP WITH A PROGRESSIVE OUTLOOK. I know that the ARRL recommendations were sort of progressive, but the point is that they came to the party way to late and only after they saw they were being left behind. I really have not been around long enough to know why the ARRL has become what it is, but I hope this was a major wake up call from the FCC.

As to the restructuring, I think the FCC did a commendable job and made changes that, while they will not be appreciated by all, are actually very realistic and practical. I was particularly pleased that the FCC did not adopt the "just give and automatic upgrade to everyone" approach the ARRL suggested. Those written tests need to be taken by everyone to upgrade. I hope the written test are also made tougher, and I think they will be.



73
kc5adf
Bill Allen