I usually look forward to getting QSL cards in the mail, so today I thought I’d hit the jackpot when three arrived. Unfortunately, my joy today was short-lived. One of the cards arrived in an envelope that not only included a small pamphlet entitled, “God’s Plan for Salvation,” but also a card with the heading, “Politically Incorrect QSL Card.”
Under the heading, were the following items:
- “Put prayer back in our schools,”
- “American first,”
- “Stand for the U.S. Constitution, or fall for the New World Order,”
- “Return America to the God of the inerrant Bible,”
- and several other right-wing screeds.
Now, everyone certainly has a right to their beliefs, but I just don’t think they belong on a QSL card. Shouldn’t ham radio be above this kind of politicking?
It’s also disturbing to me because it seems to me that this card was sent out of a desire to proselytize and not out of a sense of camaraderie. I don’t know for sure, but I’d guess that the sender doesn’t even really care to get a card in return.
Oh, well. I guess I shouldn’t get so worked up about this. I should just toss the card into the recycle bin and move on. What do you think?
Jeff, KE9V says
I’d say it’s in very poor taste and not at all in the spirit of ham radio. That kind of thing will kill real QSLs faster than postal rate hikes or LoTW…
73 de Jeff
Andy Bullington says
I agree with you totally, Dan. I find this kind of thing extremely offensive. And I’ll go one step further. I don’t discuss religion or politics on the air, either. I think it’s rude and without purpose. You’re either preaching to the choir or offending someone so what’s the point? I’ve decided to quit a Sunday morning SSB round table because of this type of right wing blather and it was with some misgivings. I genuinely LIKE all the guys. But what are my alternatives? Do I sit there and blandly take all the political stuff I vehemently disagree with or wade in every week? Both options leave me feeling awful afterwards so I decided to give it a break.
In the south where I grew up it’s considered very bad manners to discuss religion or politics at table. I think there is really something to that tradition.
Andy W1AWB
B. Scott Andersen says
A QSL card design gives a person a chance to show something about themselves that might not have been possible to convey during the QSO. It could be a picture of their house, antenna farm, a classic shot of their home town, or snapshots of their dogs, horse, cat, family, or antique car. What people choose to put on their card also tells much about them.
It is difficult to believe that anyone would expect to sway the opinion of another adult on an important issue with a QSL card, no matter how cleverly printed. Nor can there be a reasonable expectation that the inclusion of a tract stuffed unceremoniously into an envelope will prompt a sudden conversion of the recipient. These are not actions to be associated with intelligent discourse; they are declarations of, “Look at me! I am a {fill-in-the-blank}!”
So, if they are asking for a QSL card they get one. If this is a response to my request for a card, If the image or text brings me joy (“that’s a great shack!”, or “what a wonderful classic car!”) then the memory of the QSO and the QSL card is savored. If the card is accusatory, strident, preachy, or downright offensive, it is quickly forgotten. If you wish to be quickly forgotten, I guess you could follow the formula above to get your desired result.
NT7S says
No doubt it was in poor taste, but I wouldn’t get too worked up over it. Just toss it out. Or you could always just send it back. I’ve seen other ham bloggers feel the need to get political on their blogs, and that is also a huge turn-off to me. We get enough religion and politics from everywhere else, I wish people would leave them out of ham radio. It takes the fun out of what is supposed to be an enjoyable pastime.
Walter says
Hey, If you don’t like the inserts throw them away. You do it all the time with other “junk” mail, BUT you won’t be able to say one day “Lord, I didnt know about salvation”
Ned Davis says
Hi Dan,
My sentiments are with the above commentator. Since this is a hobby it should stay that way.
I believe the person who sent you the pamphlet was not interested in religion, but in himself and a definite lack of respect and tolerance for others. An ego trip in my opinion.
So goes it. Takes all kinds. Guess if it isn’t this character it will be someone else we can speak about.
JIM K8ELR says
Dan,
I’d do the same with that qsl card as I do when someone hands me a religious tract. I look at it as I’m dropping it in the nearest trash receptical to make sure it goes in and doen’t blow out to litter the ground.
Just toss it and forget it. Similar to what you would do if something came on the radio or tv that you don’t care to hear or see. Hit the off button or spin the vfo.
73
JIM K8ELR
Monte says
I have yet to receive a religious tract with a QSL but when I do I believe I’ll just mail it back and say no thank you like I do when accosted by those types at the Mall etc. It will be worth the postage just to make the statement. I may live in “West ‘by God’ Virginia” but I moved here because of the other “State Motto” … “Mountaineers are FREE”. WV has recently changed the Official State motto to “West Virginia – Open for Business” (Which it is not for MANY reasons) from the old Motto “Almost Heaven – West Virginia”. I like the old one better but not for any religious reasons, just the semantics of the word heaven. For me the reasons we moved here make it heavenly … inexpensive land, low taxes, low crime, access to three good interstates and the fact that I was able to retire here at 50 instead of working till I dropped back in the rat race know as the Mid Atlantic States, where by the way the rats are winning the rat race.
73, WU8WV
Dan KB6NU says
Sending it back is a good idea. I just might do that next time. tnx es 73, Dan
john w says
Dont put God on a qsl card, put him in your heart!
Mike KD8BUS says
Yes I would have to agree that religion and politics do not belong on QSLs or anywhere else in Amateur Radio. I think it is sickening that someone would ambush another ham with garbage. If I received a QSL card with a cross or dove, or even a symbol from another religion, I would not be offended. In fact, I think it is nice that they display things about themselves, but to think that they would try to effect the way you believe is disgusting.
Ray KG4LAO says
I would like to just say that I do agree that some people take a very accusing tone sometimes in their presentation however I strongly disagree about the politics and religion banter. Amateur Radio is an opportunity to speak to a wide range of people and share a wide range of ideas. Because I speak to an Russian operator does not make me a supporter or an enemy of Communism. The subject may or may not be brought up in a QSO. Does his QSL Card depicting a hammer and sickle make me sick? Do I get offended? It’s a symbol of that persons culture. As is a picture of a dove, cross, or maybe a bible reference.
I personally do not send QSL cards that are billboards. In the past I have written on the back “May God Bless You and Your Family” and maybe down by my name a Bible reference such as Psalms 73. When you receive a QSL card you are getting something representing that particular person. I have received downright obscene cards but it is what you get when you get a receipt for contact with another individual and what their style and character dictates. In that person’s mind who sends you a “Christian” card you should look at it as someone cared enough to try to “save you from hell”, laugh and file it away. Take no offense as the operator sending it doesn’t know you enough to make any judgements about you nor are they trying impose their view upon you. They also aren’t saying look at me. I get cards all the time that state a persons long list of professional credentials that have nothing to do with Ham Radio.
I just nod and file it away. Another persons creativity and personality maintained in the form of an idex card.
-Ray KG4LAO
Psalms 73