All -- My personal opinion... I'm sad to see the Morse requirement go, but that's from a philosophical standpoint and not a regulatory standpoint. I would be happier if the theory exams were beefed up in response -- a whole lot more than where it is now. The Tech theory seems to have been watered down to where anyone can pass with a few days of memorization. "What is the purpose of the 'Function' key found on your transceiver?" I guess the big thing for me is the seemingly growing attitude -- inside Ham Radio and throughout many other aspects of our society -- that everyone should be able to accomplish anything no matter what, and the easy way to fix that is to make everything easier to accomplish, rather than establishing a bar for those willing to devote time and effort to meet and exceed. For those who can't devote the time and effort, well, that's life. As Rick K5UR has said (and not with respect to the CW requirement, so I don't want to get him in trouble), "Not everyone is cut out to be a Ham." It's the same train of thought used by those who are targeting the game "tag" or dodgeball in our schools. The poor, slow children always seem to the ones who get "picked on," so let's just ban it to make them feel better rather than encouraging them to try harder and get better on the playground so they too can excel at the games. Not everyone is cut out to play tag or dodgeball either. Don't get me wrong, this wasn't the FCC's motivation for doing away with CW, but it could have been FCC's philosophical reason for retaining CW, much like their philosophical reason for requiring a theory exam. Many Hams held out for this day so they could end up on HF through the clock striking midnight on some evening in the near future. Path of least resistance for reward. While I'm not predicting the demise of Ham Radio, I am unfortunately led to ponder when the day will come when even the theory exam will be whittled down to a seemingly level on non-existence because "everyone should be able to get a license if they want one." I can't place blame on the Hams for jumping at the opportunity, and I'll respect every one of them as I do current hams who are on the air...it's the "system" and society that I blame for the 'instant gratification for minimal effort so we don't hurt feelings' attitude that seems to exist. Back to what I alluded to in the first paragraph of my Saturday night rant, it's not just because it's CW (and I'm a CW op, and as Frank said below it's a mode, not a religion). I'd feel better if the theory exams were beefed up as a result, just so a respectable bar remains for one to meet and exceed in order to get their ham ticket. Not everyone is cut out to be a Ham, and that's consistent with an unwritten rule of life that I accept wholeheartedly. My whippersnapper point of view...whew! 73, Brian, N5ZGT

Joel,

I could not agree more with the statement below. The FCC has ruled: CW is Mode and NOT a religion. I for one have had the debate up to my ears for far too long! I will be interesting to see how ham radio goes in the next few years. It is, I am sure, not the end of the world. And yes, it is LONG overdue! I think it's a nice Christmas present.