That’s how it was explained to me by my elmer, K4ILF (SK). It has pretty much been that way from the beginning, he said. If one chooses to remain SILENT, when there is an obvious problem operator within the amateur radio community, unchallenged problem operators begin too feel empowered, and the problem continues to grow. Not stepping up to the plate and saying something, is a disservice to the amateur radio community, service/hobby. If you have a known problem in your neighborhood are you going to speak to your neighbors about it? Or are you going to remain silent, cross your fingers and hope it goes away?
IMO it’s so unfortunate that many choose to be silent, and allow a problem to grow until the point of no return. I’m not speaking of an occasional slip of the tongue. That’s happened to many of us. Myself included. I’m speaking of an amateur that is constantly spreading bigotry, racism, hatred and spewing extreme vulgarity. Continue to sit on your hands, don’t become involved, turn a blind eye, look the other way, and this service/hobby will evolve into another CB service. On several frequencies it already has.
And to those that give cover, or make excuses (and you know who you are) for those who are the problem operators, (serving in the US Military is NOT a valid excuse for using extreme vulgarity on the radio) you’re part of the problem as well. If you don’t find this service/hobby is worth standing/fighting for, please sell all your gear, or better yet donate it to a new amateur who isn’t filled with hate such as you are, and step on down the road. We don’t need you around anyhow.
