Here is what I wrote to Mr. Smith: ================================ Dear James, Thanks for letting me know your views on the CC&R issue. The ARRL is pursuing this subject because a significant number of hams in the USA believe it is essential for the future of our radio service. In some parts of the country, though perhaps not where you live, it is virtually impossible to purchase newly-constructed homes without restrictions making antennas out of bounds. That includes simple, nearly-invisible wires for HF and small verticals for VHF/UHF. Thus, if a family wants to live in a nice neighborhood, forget about ham radio at home. Also, many people decide they want to become hams long after purchasing their homes. They didn't make a choice, because they weren't hams when they bought their houses. The donations ARRL receives for the advocacy program, which deals with this and other issues affecting ham radio in the USA, do not provide any excess of revenue over expenses. Also, all money that is donated for a specific purpose must be spent for that purpose, under IRS rules. It can't be used, say, to pay for regular operating expenses of the organization if it was donated for, say, defense of spectrum. Ten years ago, getting the FCC to enforce their Rules for the Amateur service appeared to be hopeless. The ARRL received every excuse in the book why enforcement was impossible. But the ARRL continued to seek ways to achieve the enforcement that responsible hams demanded. Finally, a breakthrough occurred and now enforcement is a reality again. This wouldn't have happened had the ARRL decided it was no use and a poor way to spend the membership's money. True, solving the CC&R problem will not happen rapidly and it will cost a lot of money. But thousands of hams in many communities across the USA say they expect the ARRL to work on it. We won't let them down. 73 - Kay WT3P --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 - Release Date: 10/31/2002