Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

In the world of politics, people have sought to clarify the meaning of what their government and people have embraced as guiding principles. After the blood bath that was the French Revolution, the country became known for its three word motto which upheld freedom, equality and brotherhood.

The Declaration of Independence of the United States similarly tries to have its principles adhere to this style of governance with many more words. The countries which developed out of the colonial system to become democracies all seem to have similar guides to life and rule which the despots despise and endeavour to over turn.

The twentieth century saw two major wars which gave rise to the League of Nations and then the United Nations as bodies to try and seek order and respect for all people.

Why this brief history lesson? Well in amongst the great doings the smaller actions which we radio enthusiasts are involved in also fit under the umbrella of these sentiments with our paramount body for communications, the ITU, being now part of the United Nations stream of activities. Our own amateurs code embraces those same basic principles that the French adopted.

When Russia invaded the Ukraine some 3 years ago, there were many discussions and thoughts about how we hams should deal with the situation. To the extent that decisions of government are beyond the average person to stop, it is common for contacts between amateurs to continue without rancour or bitterness as had been happening before.

In this country and many other jurisdictions, our regulations don’t allow on air promotion of political issues except in a general sense of wider discussion.

We all are aware of the various actions the current administration of the USA has been continuing and not a day goes by without news media reviewing the latest matters and trying to analyse the possible outcomes deriving from the White House.

As we have heard in the lead story to WIA National News, the peak Canadian amateur organisation, the RAC, has made the decision to boycott the Dayton Hamvention held in Xenia, Ohio in May. As the bonds between the English speaking countries of North America have been grown over centuries and amateur radio has been integral in over the last century, this is a momentous decision. It indicates the depth of feeling which has been aroused but still has the hope of returning to participate in the greatest ham gathering in the Americas. Along with the Friedrichshafen meet in Germany these events mark the highlights of the amateur radio/electronics year around the world.

The fact that on an organisational level, one representative body of one country will not participate in no way limits the way in which individual amateurs and clubs are able to mutually join together for the betterment of the service.

Keeping the politics off the air is a great way to keep any rancour and angst out of our hobby.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….

how about you?