[arrl-odv:27800] A lowly Vice Director's message to the Board
An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC. It occurred to me that we stand on their shoulders. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that joyfully occupies our lives. I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio. If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional doesn’t mean we have to be. This is our watch. We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters. None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance. We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death. This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather Amateur radio itself. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained one new Amateur (especially a young one) or one new League member, we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions. I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service. But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC, which in this era has a gazillion other things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. I plead with you to realize that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; or we can perish together as fools. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that anything can fail.
I say right-on, too. It's time we concentrated on solving problems rather than salving egos. The best of the holidays to all of you. And I wish all of you the best in the New Year. And a special thanks in memoriam to Earl Hake W6KHG (King Henry's Ghost, SK) my elmer. 73, Art K0AIZ On 12/24/2018 9:56 PM, Northwestern Division Director wrote:
Riley you are right on target. Thank you for your your wise, experienced and truthful comments. I will miss working with you.
In the memory of my first Ham Radio mentor, Ron Wagner W7PSB (sk) I encourage all to consider Riley's comments and move forward into this next year leaving behind egos and anger, to be replaced by compromise and congeniality.
May the New Year bring you all happiness and sunspots.
73 and good Hamming Jim, K7CEX
All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing", ...Edmund Burke.
On Dec 24, 2018 7:16 PM, RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH <rilepatholling@comcast.net> wrote:
*An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies*
Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC.
It occurred to me that *we stand on their shoulders*. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that *joyfully occupies our lives.* I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio.
If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional *doesn’t mean we have to be.* This is *our* *watch.* We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters.
None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance.
We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death.
This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather *Amateur radio itself*. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained *one new Amateur* (especially a young one) or *one new League* *member,* we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions.
I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service.
*But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC*, which in this era has a gazillion *other* things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. *I plead with you to realize* that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; *or we can perish together as fools*. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that *anything* can fail.
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Thanks for comments, Riley. A vey important message. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season. I also hope that everyone will have a happy and prosperous New Year. Let's work together to make 2019 a banner year for Amateur Radio and the League. 73 Rick - K5UR Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 24, 2018, at 9:16 PM, RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH <rilepatholling@comcast.net> wrote:
An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies
Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC.
It occurred to me that we stand on their shoulders. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that joyfully occupies our lives. I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio.
If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional doesn’t mean we have to be. This is our watch. We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters.
None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance.
We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death.
This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather Amateur radio itself. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained one new Amateur (especially a young one) or one new League member, we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions.
I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service.
But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC, which in this era has a gazillion other things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. I plead with you to realize that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; or we can perish together as fools. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that anything can fail.
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Spot on Riley- TU! We should heed these words from Riley’s unique perspective. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Gung ho- look it up. 73 David A. Norris, K5UZ Director, Delta Division Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 24, 2018, at 9:16 PM, RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH <rilepatholling@comcast.net> wrote:
An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies
Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC.
It occurred to me that we stand on their shoulders. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that joyfully occupies our lives. I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio.
If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional doesn’t mean we have to be. This is our watch. We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters.
None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance.
We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death.
This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather Amateur radio itself. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained one new Amateur (especially a young one) or one new League member, we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions.
I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service.
But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC, which in this era has a gazillion other things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. I plead with you to realize that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; or we can perish together as fools. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that anything can fail.
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Well put my friend. This must stop so we can get on with the business of the League. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message --------From: RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH <rilepatholling@comcast.net> Date: 12/24/18 9:16 PM (GMT-06:00) To: arrl-odv@arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:27800] A lowly Vice Director's message to the Board An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC. It occurred to me that we stand on their shoulders. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that joyfully occupies our lives. I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio. If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional doesn’t mean we have to be. This is our watch. We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters. None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance. We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death. This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather Amateur radio itself. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained one new Amateur (especially a young one) or one new League member, we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions. I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service. But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC, which in this era has a gazillion other things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. I plead with you to realize that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; or we can perish together as fools. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that anything can fail.
Riley, thanks for the great words of wisdom on this Holiday Season. Sitting two seats down from you in the back row of the Board Room and becoming a Vice-Director when you did, I appreciate your openness and vision with the operation of the FCC along with the politics. I like many, have an “ELMER” who has passed away but left me with those old fashion values of Amateur Radio. Let’s make 2019 a year of cohesiveness not adversarial attitudes! 73’s, Lynn Nelson – W0ND Dakota Division Vice-Director From: RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH Sent: Monday, December 24, 2018 9:16 PM To: arrl-odv@arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:27800] A lowly Vice Director's message to the Board An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC. It occurred to me that we stand on their shoulders. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that joyfully occupies our lives. I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio. If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional doesn’t mean we have to be. This is our watch. We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters. None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance. We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death. This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather Amateur radio itself. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained one new Amateur (especially a young one) or one new League member, we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions. I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service. But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC, which in this era has a gazillion other things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. I plead with you to realize that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; or we can perish together as fools. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that anything can fail. Virus-free. www.avg.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Riley, Your e-mail caused me to reflect upon two guys that mentored me, both silent keys now.The first, Earle Valentine K8ENY beat the code into me and held my hand through my first QSO. He loved ham radio, introduced me to some wonderful people, helped me buy my first rig and kept this young ham on the straight and narrow path. I can name many others mentored by Earle as was I. My second mentor came much later in my ham radio career, Lew Munford W8YIO.Lew was a WWII veteran who had lost a leg in the crash of a B29.He was the shining example of achievement. After Lew received a medical discharge, he went to work at the U of M Willow Run Lab working in radar development. He flew his own airplane, sailed Lake Erie and held a few records for UHF and EME.He too loved ham radio.At a swap, when we first met, I asked him to visit our local club and he said he no longer drove at night, so I offered him a ride.The long friendship that came from that simple offer, was truly humbling and life changing for me. This morning, reading your comments caused me to think of how Earle and Lew would react to what has been happening within our Board and the certain disappointment they would feel.I know that these close friends would be heartbroken if they thought their ARRL would lose sight of bringing out the best in all of us for the future sake of Amateur Radio. I can't let them down. WE can't let them down. WE can't fail to support and enhance what our countless mentors left in our hands. Today, I solemnly vow that I will further enhance my efforts towards making ham radio better, giving true, honest consideration to the opinions of others and working towards the stewardship that we need to insure the future of Amateur Radio. Thanks for bringing out these thoughts and 73, Dale WA8EFK On 12/24/2018 10:16 PM, RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH wrote:
*An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies*
Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC.
It occurred to me that *we stand on their shoulders*. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that *joyfully occupies our lives.* I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio.
If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional *doesn’t mean we have to be.* This is *our* *watch.* We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters.
None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance.
We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death.
This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather *Amateur radio itself*. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained *one new Amateur* (especially a young one) or *one new League* *member,* we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions.
I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service.
*But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC*, which in this era has a gazillion *other* things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. *I plead with you to realize* that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; *or we can perish together as fools*. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that *anything* can fail.
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Riley, Thanks for your comments. I hope we can all take them to heart in the coming year. You raise two important points. First, the importance of ham radio in ourlives, because, as you put it, “we all love the magic of radio.” We need to keep coming back to that becauseit is a shared hobby, and all of us want to see it continue, our disagreementsnotwithstanding. The second is the law of unintended consequences. You have a unique perspective on the FCC, andwe all need to listen. It would be onething if we were completely unaware of how some of the discord could affect hamradio. The consequences would still bethere. But now that we know what theycould be, it’s that much more important to listen and change. Thanks again for speaking out. Tom Delaney W8WTD On Monday, December 24, 2018, 10:16:55 PM EST, RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH <rilepatholling@comcast.net> wrote: An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC. It occurred to me that we stand on their shoulders. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that joyfully occupies our lives. I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio. If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional doesn’t mean we have to be. This is our watch. We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters. None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance. We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death. This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather Amateur radio itself. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained one new Amateur (especially a young one) or one new League member, we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions. I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service. But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC, which in this era has a gazillion other things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. I plead with you to realize that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; or we can perish together as fools. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that anything can fail. _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Thanks Riley, your letter hits the nail on the head. Looking forward to seeing those I know, and meeting those I do not in a few weeks. Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and Happy new year to all. Mark, KB7HDX VD Elect NW Div. SM EWA for 6 more days On Mon, Dec 24, 2018 at 7:16 PM RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH < rilepatholling@comcast.net> wrote:
*An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies*
Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC.
It occurred to me that *we stand on their shoulders*. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that *joyfully occupies our lives.* I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio.
If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional *doesn’t mean we have to be.* This is *our* *watch.* We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters.
None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance.
We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death.
This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather *Amateur radio itself*. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained *one new Amateur* (especially a young one) or *one new League* *member,* we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions.
I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service.
*But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC*, which in this era has a gazillion *other* things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. *I plead with you to realize* that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; *or we can perish together as fools*. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that *anything* can fail. _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Can this be also distributed to incoming board members who are not on this list yet? I’ve already been told by an incoming board member that it doesn’t matter what I think anymore; basically to shut up and stay off Facebook (not in my division; from a different division). It’s all very true and the entire board needs to hear it. Bonnie AB7ZQ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH Sent: Monday, December 24, 2018 7:17 PM To: arrl-odv@arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:27800] A lowly Vice Director's message to the Board An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC. It occurred to me that we stand on their shoulders. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that joyfully occupies our lives. I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio. If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional doesn’t mean we have to be. This is our watch. We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters. None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance. We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death. This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather Amateur radio itself. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained one new Amateur (especially a young one) or one new League member, we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions. I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service. But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC, which in this era has a gazillion other things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. I plead with you to realize that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; or we can perish together as fools. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that anything can fail.
Riley sent it to the 5 of us in another email. All current, and incoming should have received it. 73.. Mark, KB7HDX On Tue, Dec 25, 2018 at 8:45 AM <bonniealtus@onlinemac.com> wrote:
Can this be also distributed to incoming board members who are not on this list yet? I’ve already been told by an incoming board member that it doesn’t matter what I think anymore; basically to shut up and stay off Facebook (not in my division; from a different division).
It’s all very true and the entire board needs to hear it.
Bonnie AB7ZQ
*From:* arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> *On Behalf Of *RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH *Sent:* Monday, December 24, 2018 7:17 PM *To:* arrl-odv@arrl.org *Subject:* [arrl-odv:27800] A lowly Vice Director's message to the Board
*An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies*
Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC.
It occurred to me that *we stand on their shoulders*. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that *joyfully occupies our lives.* I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio.
If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional *doesn’t mean we have to be.* This is *our* *watch.* We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters.
None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance.
We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death.
This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather *Amateur radio itself*. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained *one new Amateur* (especially a young one) or *one new League* *member,* we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions.
I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service.
*But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC*, which in this era has a gazillion *other* things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. *I plead with you to realize* that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; *or we can perish together as fools*. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that *anything* can fail. _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Riley An excellent message of wisdom for all of us to heed as we engage in the work ahead. The board is very fortunate to have you as a member. See you in a few weeks. Rod K0DAS Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 24, 2018, at 9:16 PM, RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH <rilepatholling@comcast.net> wrote:
An Open Letter to Members of the ARRL Board-- Incumbents and Newbies
Today, Christmas Eve, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to Royce Goodwin, WA4AFE, and Joe Gault, W4WZ, both in the Carolinas and both in their mid 90’s. I talk to them every week, most often on CW. These guys got me in to Amateur radio as a 13-year-old, taught me the code and helped me with the theory. They are both active, in life and in radio--especially CW. When I oversaw Amateur radio enforcement at FCC, I considered myself to be working for people such as them, as well as FCC.
It occurred to me that we stand on their shoulders. People like Joe and Royce gave us this wonderful avocation that joyfully occupies our lives. I cannot imagine not having radio as a major part of my life, and I suspect you feel the same-- because we all love the magic of radio.
If this activity joyfully occupies our lives, why can’t we approach the duties of the ARRL Board the same way? Just because so much of society and government is dysfunctional doesn’t mean we have to be. This is our watch. We need to rid ourselves of this vitriolic attitude toward those who disagree with us. If every member of the Board always agreed on every topic, we’d only need one Director on the Board. But we can disagree without being disagreeable, and we can lose on any particular issue without seeking to burn down ARRL headquarters.
None of this conflict is lost on the FCC. I still have constant contact with the FCC, and whether I go to the FCC in Washington or in Gettysburg, the first question I always get is “How is the Board getting along?” The ARRL is the ONLY voice Amateur radio has. Each month of continued infighting, back stabbing and bitterness and plotting moves us one notch closer to the outer circle on the FCC radar, i.e., towards irrelevance.
We need the FCC for protection on two fronts: spectrum protection, and enforcement protection. If our biggest enemy is ourselves, and if we implode by aggravating ourselves to death, the FCC doesn’t have to give us the time of day—except in the rare legal proceeding on the scale of BPL, which costs the ARRL dearly in legal fees (but was a wonderful victory still celebrated today by some in the FCC). But those situations are extremely rare. In every other way, and on a day to day basis, we will slowly lose status and respect at the FCC and die a slow death.
This is OUR watch and we owe it to the Joe Gaults and Royce Goodwins of our Amateur radio world to make sure our highest priority is not ego or revenge or getting our own way, but rather Amateur radio itself. At the end of the day, if our actions—whatever they are—have not gained one new Amateur (especially a young one) or one new League member, we are spinning our wheels. All of us are experienced enough in life by now to know that when we think we know all the answers, it’s probably because we haven’t thought of all the questions.
I spent every working day and most weekends of my life for almost 10years trying to restore Amateur radio to its rightful place in the American communications infrastructure after 12 years of neglect by the FCC. That neglect was due to other priorities such as explosive growth in paging, land mobile and then cellular. Do you remember the early 90’s, when you were very afraid to demonstrate Amateur radio to anyone such as a neighbor or grandchild, for fear of what you would hear on 75 meters, or even on a repeater? We are way beyond that now and it is because the FCC respected us and appreciated our service and contributions and supported a new enforcement initiative in our service.
But I implore you to realize that these vitriolic conflicts are known and watched by the FCC, which in this era has a gazillion other things to deal with besides Amateur radio; and as with every agency, it is looking for things not to have to deal with anymore. Please let’s don’t make ourselves irrelevant. I plead with you to realize that we can work together as friends and stewards of Amateur radio, paying back what we owe this joyful avocation and respectfully trying to resolve our disagreements; or we can perish together as fools. This is our time, and if there’s one thing we have learned in our time, it’s that anything can fail.
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
participants (12)
-
Arthur I. Zygielbaum -
bonniealtus＠onlinemac.com -
Dale Williams -
David Norris -
Ed Hudgens -
Mark J Tharp -
Northwestern Division Director -
Rick Roderick -
RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH -
Rod Blocksome -
Tom Delaney -
W0ND