Ham radio will not be very useful in a mega disaster, but nothing will. Ham radio, inc (ARRL, ARES) misses the point that its not the communication function that is needed, but the state of mental preparedness that is needed.
How many of us have multiple sets of screwdrivers or multitools? Most of us. This week on GIZMODO (a website for the geek community), there was an article about tools and what kind you should have. Seriously, a website for IT geeks had to have a piece on screwdrivers. Would such a piece be needed here?
Ham radio promotes self dependency because its fun to build antennas and talk to the world on them. We build up tool supplies and batteries because we use them. In an emergency, your solar battery charger that you use for Field Day may charge a baby monitor or provide energy for a nebulizer. You have these things because they are toys to you and me.
Whether we are actually doing comms work, this is a great hobby to relax for a while and cruise 20 meters. In a pinch we might be needed. If not, then I know that if my neighbors have a problem, I probably have the tools to help them.
You are absolutely correct! For one exception.
I don't know how many times I need to emphasize that it's not about dependency of EMMCOMM. The bigger picture is how important the value of Emmcomm is to our nation ,culture and moral value. It may be a small role but it plays its part sychologically. As well as a political question we need to address due to our economical status where Emmcomm within our community has it's value.
Why should any president due away with a system that other organizations like Red Cross and FEMA agree has it's value?
Is it smart to spend, spend and spend more out of recourses already in dyer turmoil when it's already free?
System isn't broke so why fix it even if a government run communication system is in place that as you said wouldn't even help in the worst of natural Diaster acurr's ,or man made?
Volunteers of EMMCOMM being ham radio operators show that the commited humanitarian patriotic duty of Americans is alive and well even today. Willing to give up time when in need at a moments notice for what ever it's worth. It shows the people of this country by example that Americans are willing to serve their communities and country willingly. We don't need to be dependent on government or government funding. That keeps our nation cost down is one of the parts we play.
Today the government wants to control more the mass's by making us feel we need to depend on them. We don't!!!
That's the point you and many are missing!
How much more clearer does do we need to make you guys realize it's not abou a bunch of geeks playing rescue 911. Its a bigger picture than that and I'm not even an EMMCOMM guy and I see the value of not letting government step all over us and some nit wit like governor Romney talk out his behind.
73!
