Romney "Disses" Amateur Radio In Televised Town Meeting (and why he won't get my vote)

Eastern MA American Radio Relay League ^ | Wednesday 16 November 2005 @ 15:48:10 | Eastern Massachusetts ARRL

[Rick.Donaldson]

Romney "Disses" Amateur Radio In Televised Town Meeting Posted on Wednesday 16 November 2005 @ 15:48:10

Governor Mitt Romney dismissed the role of Amateur Radio operators in emergency communications during a televised "town meeting" program last night on WCVB's "When Disaster Strikes: Segment Two." The program featured public safety and volunteer organization officials from across Massachusetts among its audience.

Host and moderator Natalie Jacobson asked an increasingly-agitated Governor Romney questions about communications interoperability, and communication without commercial power. Romney was next asked by Jacobson, "...so does it come down to ham radio?..."

The Governor replied in a disgusted tone, "No, we don't need to deal with ham radio operators..."

Embarrassed public safety officials later tried to put in a good word for Amateur Radio. National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Glenn Field was prepared to state the importance of Amateur Radio, when Salvation Army Colonel Fred Van Brunt was called upon. Van Brunt remarked about his organization's quest to improve its communications capabilities and how Amateur Radio has aided his organization. "The ham radio situation helps a great deal," he stated.

"I have already written and submitted a letter to the Governor's Office," wrote Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY. "I have also written an email to Natalie Jacobson."

ARRL Section Manager Mike Neilsen, W1MPN sent a section-wide email today to all Eastern MA ARRL members describing the incident along with actions he and his staff were taking to mitigate the situation.

"[Romney's] attitude about us sets an unfortunate tone within the state's executive branch," wrote Neilsen. "As a former military officer, I see this as a failure in leadership. My immediate concern is our working relationship within the [Massachusetts Emergency Management Team] environment." Neilsen intends to address the Governor's comments as "an urgent matter" at a meeting on November 17 with Don Carlton from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

"I was very disturbed about what the Governor stated on the program," wrote Ron Wood, W1PLW, the section's Public Information Coordinator. "It does show that more work is needed by all hams in the section. It's a great idea to write letters explaining the good we do." Wood is attempting to schedule a meeting with the Governor's office tomorrow so that EMA ARRL staffers might discuss the matter further.

Tom Kinahan, N1CPE wrote that Governor Romney's comment has made "a PR problem" for Kinahan in his role as MA State RACES Officer.

"I've got a roster of over 150 Amateur Radio operators that support local communities, and those of us that directly support the state government. There are at least double that in terms of people that are actually out there that I don't have formal paperwork on that support Amateur Radio emergency communications in some organized manner... The Governor has said that he 'certainly doesn't need to rely on ham radio' -- where does that leave the RACES program now?"

"I am ashamed tonight that I am a Republican!" remarked one ham radio viewer. "[Romney] speaks in derogatory tones about hams. He certainly shows an ignorance as to what we do and are capable of. I suggest a grass roots campaign of local hams calling the State House and The Governor's Office to protest."

The television program can be viewed at http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/5334306/detail.html.

[Rick.Donaldson]

Luke, I think you and I had this discussion. Certainly your opinion and mine differ slightly, but from the people of his state, I would say Mr. Romney is not much better than his daddy was as a Liberal. He's NOT a conservative. Furthermore he is still a "tax and spend" guy. Sorry, I ain't buying your explanation (and I've seen the video and some other stuff I've not posted here). You're most definately entitled to that opinion you have of him. I'm sure your vote will be enjoyed by him as well. Mine, however, will NOT be given to him.

I suspect you as well are completely FAILING to understand the point her, as are several others. It's not about "Ham Radio". It's about principles. It's about his ignorance and lack of understanding of the ham community and "government infrastructure"... perhaps I should say, "Mr. Romney is a BIG Government guy and can't see the need for NOT spending money". How's that? Clearer?

[Cold Heat]

I agree 100%. I'm appalled at his ignorance.

The only ignorance being expressed here is coming from one ham radio operator.

First responder communication are highly regulated and secure. You must have a security clearance, and a pretty high one, depending on what level of access you have.

For example, in our county emergency system, very few have access to the radio room without having clearances. The equipment in there links directly with Homeland security both state and national. It is no go area for even the Mayoral staff, of which I am one.

Ham radio is amateur radio, and although it is a great asset, it should never be regulated to tis degree. It would be destroyed and few would remain as operators due to the regulations needed and the ultra high security required to be a part of that system.

The very idea that Romney was dissing Ham is ridiculous. He knows, as governor, exactly what the first responder comm is all about, and he was trying protect the freedom of Ham radio and it's components, not destroy or diss it.

[Rick.Donaldson]

Sonny, I have eleven grandchildren, I’ve been to 44 countries and my youngest son is probably more mature than someone who makes such accusations. Why don’t you get off your Insult Horse and READ the thread and all the posts. There’s nothing “immature” about pointing out that a man running for President isn’t qualified. It’s got nothing to do with HAM RADIO. Instead of acting ignorant, try reading both the article, the comments I made, and perhaps for a change, actually READ the comments in this thread.

[Moose4]

A lot of government types are ignorant about the role that amateur radio still plays in emergency communications...until the feces impact the oscillating ventilation device, and suddenly that 60-year-old guy in the pickup truck with the fourteen antennas on it is your sole lifeline to a shelter full of frightened people. Modern communication infrastructures are wondrous things, but they’re also fragile.

}:-)4

[pops88]

If he wasn't dissing amateur radio, then why this in the article-

"Embarrassed public safety officials later tried to put in a good word for Amateur Radio."

They seemed to have taken it as dissing.

[Leisler]

Foul! Foul! I'm calling FOUL!

That's not fair posting a picture of a true conservative on a Mitten's Romney thread! You know Mittens couldn't pilot a military jet! You know he couldn't do HAM, single sideband! Mittens strapped his dog to the roof of the car he's so metro clueless.

[technomage]

BS... you must never have lived through an earthquake or hurricane and have a ham either get you medical help or let you alert family members across the country of your situation. It flies on the Space Station and the Military has used Ham Radio for years... Military Affiliated Radio Service... MARS for short. Ask a Nam Vet how important Ham Radio was in the jungle when they didn't have cell phones... and they still use it from remote areas... and it is a big part of Scientific communications based at the Poles. LLS

Your attempt at belittling me has not worked. Why are you assuming that I do not know the benefits that the ham radio network gives this country? I never once said that ham radio is worthless, or not necessary.

That is, pardon me, a typical liberal tactic: Someone does not agree with your position on something, they must be completely against it. Sort of like the global warming hoax: If you do not believe it, you must want people to suffer.

My only point was that deciding not to vote for someone based on one issue, and one issue only, is ludicrous. There are a lot of one issue voters here and that is one reason (amongst many others) why Republicans are having such a tough time.

[dragnet2]

For example, in our county emergency system, very few have access to the radio room without having clearances. The equipment in there links directly with Homeland security both state and national.

So you are suggesting government, your county government for example has adequate communications for dealing with all disasters, and can readily contact citizens all over your region, for things like immediate status reports and other vital information?

If so, if you don't mind me asking, what type communications are they using to communicate with the citizens? And what type of communications are the citizens using to communicate with your local government during massive shutdowns and big time disasters?

[Fiddlstix]

WoW! And to think.....
Barry Goldwater was a ham....
How times have changed......

[Lurker]

Obviously this clown, Romney, hasn't even taken a passing glance at his own State's EOP Emergency Support Function 2.

If he doesn't have at least a passing familiarity with the role ARRL will play during a widespread disaster he's not fit to run a County, let alone a Country.

L

[napscoordinator]

I apologize if my post sounded nastier than I meant it to be. All I meant was that I don’t believe that we should have this as an issue for a Presidential campaign that is all. 44 countries is VERY impressive. I went to that visited country site http://douweosinga.com/projects/visitedcountries
and saw that I have visited 28 countries so far and will be arriving in Iraq in October 2008 for 12 months.

[Rick.Donaldson]

Esarlls3 - While I certainly respect your opinion on the matter, that's a cowards way out.I will say this once more - Amateurs DO communicate quite effectively with those at the local, state and government level. Apparently though, even good communications does NOT get through to someone who is arrogant about the subject of "Hams". Again, I will say it is NOT about Ham Radio. it's about his reaction, and his ignorance. Yes, this IS a "policy issue".

I worked for the White House Communications Agency, and was personally responsible for making sure Mr. Reagan and Mr. Bush could talk to the White House no matter where they were in the world. I AM a professional communicator - and was LONG before I was an Amateur. Mr. Reagan and Mr. Bush understood the need for Amateur Radios in disasters and certainly wouldn't have said such a thing.

The current President understands the need for them. Any future President should understand the need as well, and as a GOVERNOR should have FULLY grasped the concept then. It is governors and local authorities who have the greatest, most urgent need for the Amateur Community, long before the Feds ever get involved in disaster recovery.

Again, this isn't about HAM RADIO - that's the cover of this thread, but it's about Mr. Romney's lack of principles, lack of understanding, and his complete disrespect to those who served in his state as operators.

In fact, Mitt's church is very active in using Amateur Radio for emergency communications and public service. If you want an advocate for Amateur Radio, educate him.

Good idea... that's what I am doing here, I'm educating his proponents because he's not going to chat with me. I don't expect to see him in Colorado at this point, therefore, he's not taking time out of his busy day to give me a call or take my calls. Sorry. It's my job to educate the PUBLIC, and that's what I am doing.

[esarlls3]

Of all people a GOVERNOR should know about disaster preparedness.

I agree. Whomever was in charge of disaster preparedness in MA should have informed Mitt. If he didn't the ARRL leadership should have. He should not have to research emergency communications on his own.

I suspect Mitt made sure he had capable people in charge of disaster preparedness and let them manage it. He knew they needed a better radio system and provided one. I doubt he got involved in more details than that.

If Mitt has a bad impression of Amateur Radio, it's probably from a bad operator he came in contact with in the past. Let's not make it worse by being vindictive over ignorance. It's an opportunity for education - not a disqualification.

[Rick.Donaldson]

by the way... welcome to the ranks of the Amateur Radio Operator, glad to have you (even if we disagree sometimes!)

The point is, you joined after Katrina... why? were you involved or what was it that convinced you to become a Ham? I’m curious?

[dragnet2]

Could you, or anyone address #88?

Thanks.

[reagan_fanatic]

Any Governor who is ignorant of the role that organizations like ARES, RACES, and SKYWARN play during times of emergency or disaster doesn't deserve an Executive position anywhere in Government. Period.

Well stated.

[esarlls3]

The point is, you joined [Amateur Radio] after Katrina... why?

See this article in our club newsletter.

[Rick.Donaldson]

The only ignorance being expressed here is coming from one ham radio operator.

Actually there are several hams here who are expressing the same statements as I am. Where am I 'ignorant'? I've stated nothing that isn't exactly true and accurate. There is nothing 'ignorant' in anything I've said. You can say this is true. Your candidate on the other hand has displayed ignorance on his part of communications infrastructure, power systems and how many other things operate. This is fine if he is a building manager, but not as manager of this country. Now, I would ask you to retract the comment that I am "ignorant" unless you can show me where Mr. Romney has apologized, or taken steps to correct this problem of his. If you can not, then you Sir (Ma'am?) are simply trying to discredit my statements without any facts of your own. I'm sorry. Present facts, or shut up.

First responder communication are highly regulated and secure. You must have a security clearance, and a pretty high one, depending on what level of access you have.

Really? Thats a load of BS. I work with first responders all the time. And I have a "security clearance" too. I also am authorized to work with first responders, as a communications expert when the time comes. Funny... I can go buy a nice little receiver that picks up all the communications for all the digital trunked radio systems in the country, and there's no encryption on them. Furthermore, I will state unequivocally that radio systems FAIL - especially those that have been "in place" and are "fixed" systems and failure rates are KNOWN and occur... at the worst possible moment.

So, your remarks are utterly ridiciulous anyway.

For example, in our county emergency system, very few have access to the radio room without having clearances. The equipment in there links directly with Homeland security both state and national. It is no go area for even the Mayoral staff, of which I am one.

Very cool for them. That's nice. This doesn't provide LOCAL disaster communications though. You obviously are somewhat misinformed too where it comes to Amateur radio's contribution. I suggest you do some research before you make such statements in my thread. You're perhaps correct about "no go areas" but you're on the wrong sheet of music my friend.

Ham radio is amateur radio, and although it is a great asset, it should never be regulated to tis degree. It would be destroyed and few would remain as operators due to the regulations needed and the ultra high security required to be a part of that system.

I beg to differ. Amateur radio is HIGHLY regulated, moreso than ANY OTHER SERVICE. I suggest you read up on the regulations. Part 97 of the FCC regulations, and the get back to me. ok? What "degree" are you referring to?

The very idea that Romney was dissing Ham is ridiculous. He knows, as governor, exactly what the first responder comm is all about, and he was trying protect the freedom of Ham radio and it's components, not destroy or diss it.

Oh, no it's very clear he was "dissing" ham radio. I'm not upset over that, I'm upset that his remarks stem from a clear and distinct lack of understand of communications infrastructure. /shrug.

[Badeye]

Ya think maybe Romney knows a bit more now, given the reaction to this debate from years back?

[esarlls3]

In our city, county, and state EOC’s there are amateur radio stations setup and ready for use in emergencies. When events happen, they are staffed by trained ARES/RACES operators who have been given security clearances to obtain access to the equipment.