I’m sorry, but I couldn’t wait until April 1 to report this story….Dan
It has come to my attention that ARRL CEO Michael Howard is planning to construct a wall on the southern border of the ARRL’s Newington headquarters to prevent miscreant hams from entering the compound. Details are kind kind of sketchy at this point, but here’s what I know so far:
- It’s going to be a great, big beautiful wall.
- Original plans called for it to be made out of concrete, but now the thinking is that it will be made from steel slats. Think aperture antenna or maybe a phased vertical array.
- The ARRL originally planned to get CBers to pay for the wall, but when they said that there is no way that they would pay for it, the talk turned to getting ARRL members to pay for it.
- A GoFundMe was started to help pay for the wall, but was quickly abandoned when only $15 was pledged in the first week.
- Some people question whether or not there is a problem at the ARRL’s southern border. There was a report of a caravan, but that turned out to be a couple of hams from Alabama in a pickup truck who wanted to take a tour of W1AW.
- The ARRL board had given preliminary approval for $1.6 million for the project, but the administration is holding out for $5.7 million. It doesn’t look like the ARRL board is going to approve the $5.7 million, however.
- As a result of this impasse, a 2019 budget has yet to be approved and the ARRL has been shut down. That includes Logbook of the World, so if you were waiting for confirmations from the latest Cook Island DXpedition, you’re just going to have to wait a little longer. Same goes for your club’s Special Service Club commendation. (Oh wait, nobody really cares about that, so just forget I mentioned it.)
- Apparently, the recently-elected division directors (you know who you are!) are the ones holding out. They were recently called in to discuss the shutdown and were asked, “Will you agree to build the wall?” They replied, “No,” and CEO Howard walked out of the room, calling the meeting, “a total waste of time.” There was some debate as to whether the table was slammed or not.
At this point, it remains unclear what’s going to happen. All I can say is that it’s a good thing that nothing like this happens in Washington DC.
David Ehehalt says
Construction Details , On Top of the Wall , every 4-5Ft , A 2.5 ” x 48″ Sch. 40 Pipe / Mast for mounting Antennas , As once the wall is complete , Some will say , ” Hey You know ,We could put some antennas on top of that Wall ” Be ready for this thought , Let the Ham Radio Operators Know , ” We thought about our wall Before it Went Up ” I will be Happy to Spear Head this project ( Construction Mgr.) Respectfully submitted N2DAE /David – Telco Communications 973-895-5500 / 888 RADIO10-4
joseph Ratila says
A wall – REALLY? If they have so much extra cash then maybe they can help expand Amateur radio. THe only wall the US needs right now is at the Southern Border with Mexico.
Dan KB6NU says
No, not really. This was just a joke. :)
Tom Parkinson says
Joseph – You have to be kidding about that comment…..
Angelo DePalma says
Not even remotely funny.
Derek KN4AGX says
And now you know how most of the country feels about the wall that’s being parodied, here.
Lauren Libby, W0LD says
This sure looks like “fake news” to me!
Pete THOMAS says
A thoroughly entertaining and innocuous blog. Thanks
Pete T
Oh2euu