Well, it seems that I have stepped on some toes. That was not my intention and the aim of my posts on worldwidedx have been to have a civilized dialog about CB radio. I’m the first to admit that there’s a lot that I don’t know. It’s true, I have no idea what a “Christmas CBer” is, but Google apparently doesn’t either.
I’ve been coming to this site for 6 or 7 years and joined over 5 years ago because I thought this was a great site for all things dealing with radio communications and I still do. I have rarely made comments or even logged in for that matter. I usually come here a few times a week and read the posts anonymously using Ccleaner to clear my cache and the refresh button to get around the viewing limitations placed on non-members.
I use a stock radio and don’t use amps or noise toys and I’ll say that a thousand times. I say it, not because I’m afraid of the FCC – a practically defunct Federal organization, but because I’m proud of that fact. I have talked to people all over the United States, Mexico and Canada. I’ve made contacts in Europe, Africa and Australia. I want any potential new-comers to this hobby to know it can be done and done with bone stock equipment that doesn’t cost a small fortune. If that makes me appear to be a “paranoid weirdo” then so be it.
I want to expand the number of people on CB radio. I listen more than anything, but when I key the mic I try to be as respectful and courteous as I can. I don’t know whose listening and I do want to give a good impression. Years ago, many people stopped using their two-way radios altogether and many became HAM radio operators because of what CB radio had become. I hate that, but it is what it is. I stand by my assertion that CB radio has a bad reputation, but I’ve never called anyone here “riff raff”. In fact, I’ve always considered the people on this site to be some of the best radio folks out there.
I was once interested in getting a HAM license because of the increased range, but lost all interest after I was talked to like white trash by a group of HAM radio operators in a Walmart parking lot. They knew I had a CB radio in my car based on the antenna I had on the roof. Maybe it’s because of this experience that I learned how to spot a CB or HAM antenna on a car going down the road. Generally speaking the different antennas have a distinct appearance and are a dead give-away of what type of radio the person has on board.
I work for one of the largest Financial Institutions on the planet and I don’t answer calls in Customer Service. I’m seeing some disturbing things going on in the world. Corporate, Financial and Government institutions are building EMP bunkers at an alarming rate – all while the general public plays on their cell phones completely oblivious to what is coming. Anyone who builds an EMP bunker is a serious player and doesn’t do it to waste money.
I might be a kook, but I believe communication will be key in the event of a real national emergency. I have reservations about the use of radio in such an event, but after much thought I believe the 11-meter band will be more useful in the end. Instead of denigrating me or making innuendoes about my mental stability perhaps you should ask me why I think this way. I’m a nice guy and think I have a lot to offer others. I also know that others have a lot to offer me. In the meantime, I’ll continue to be the best ambassador I can for CB radio in order to grow our numbers instead of pushing people away.
