Anti-emcomm trolls? Maybe ARES should take a hard look at why emcomm draws negative attention from the rest of hamdom. It's self inflicted damage and evangelizing the virtues really doesn't help. Throw in an ARRL mailing advertising "emergency communicator" (Tech) classes, and a lot of new hams never go beyond public service or drop out when they aren't at an emergency on a daily basis. Too bad because amateur radio has so much more to offer.
Not only that, but hams in general, ARRL included, need to rethink what "emergency communications" really means. Amateurs are not supposed to be the first line of participants in an emergency situation. In fact they are supposed to be the last line of participants. And I quote: §97.113 Prohibited transmissions. (a) No amateur station shall transmit: ... (5) Communications, on a regular basis, which could reasonably be furnished alternatively through other radio services. Ham radio is not, in any way, a substitute for communication systems of any other authority or radio service, unless that service has ceased to function during an emergency situation. All this business about weather spotting and EOC activation on ham repeaters is arguably not even allowed under Part 97, if those same activities could be licensed and conducted under a proper public safety or other LMR service license. Ham radio really is "when all else fails." The part that doesn't get advertised is that from a legal standpoint it is "but not before then."
Violated on a daily basis and no one cares and it's actually encouraged by some that should policing the practice.
No doubt. But it speaks to your point about how the "emcomm" guys should take a look at why nobody takes them seriously.
This is a terrible backdrop for terrorist actions. People will be spread out across the country to watch the eclipse, not packed into a subway or arena or stadium or airport. Come on now.
I'll be on my back porch in my underwear eating a bowl of fruit loops while smoking a cigar and drinking warm, flat beer left over from the night before. You should stop by.
Back in the 6th century it was considered a disaster, and need to sacrifice a human to please the gods. I hope we are more enlightened since.
