Carl, WB2LTL

     Many of us speak or do things almost every day that can be, and usually are, considered by others to be unconventional at the very least. As a prime example of one who is, on rare occasions, considered "unconventional", I offer our good friend, Carl, WB2LTL, who is pictured above.
     I was reminded of this fact of life the other day when I stepped into my favorite watering hole only to again run across my old Ham buddy, Sparky Corona. Sparky, whose favorite roosting place is a bar stool second from the end in the South forty, can be depended upon to either verbalize his daily gripe or energetically philosophize about some matter of international, national, or local tavern concern.
     After our usual greetings, Sparky mumbled something like, "I always ask them why they don't speak for themselves."
     "Now what the heck is this all about?", I asked. Apparently oblivious of my query, sparky continued, "Especially Hams, they apparently run in packs because I have never had a QSO with a Ham who is all by himself in the shack. When I talk with a guy who I assume is alone, he invariably tells me what equipment "we" are using, what "we" did today, where "we" are located, how "we" about melted in the heat yesterday, etc. Do you think they are actually blessed with other people in their midst at all times or are they just trying to spread the responsibility around?"
     Now that I assumed I had Sparky's undivided attention, I decided to make an earth-shaking observation, "Perhaps they believe in the old adage that there is safety in numbers. You can't blame a guy for wanting to feel secure, can you?" Sparky's ears perked up a bit at this. "Aw, come on now, how many guys do you know who have security problems?"
     "I am not talking about physical security, I mean the sense of sanctuary one enjoys when in a group; like avoiding the wrath of strangers when apparently surrounded by others who supposedly have similar faults, ideas, or attitudes", I responded.
     Sparky countered, "Boy, you have a way of messing up an already tangled situation. I know for a fact that people who use "we" are not necessarily taking cover in numbers. For example, I know a Ham who is a rabid Miami Dolphin fan. It is 'We would have won last week if that jerk Smith hadn't fumbled on the Giant's six'; 'We need a better running game'; and 'We will definitely make the play-offs if Marino stays healthy', all that sort of stuff. Now, I just know that this guy is not seeking security in numbers."
     "Well, you no doubt have a valid point there", I agreed, "This is apparently a case of your acquaintance unconsciously fantasizing about being a pro football player, or perhaps a coach."
     "Be that as it may", Sparky said, "Why is it that I notice this "we" bit exclusively amongst Hams?"
     "Could it be that Amateurs never consider themselves to be alone when on the air?", I mused, "If our Ham friends have any kind of signal at all there will most certainly be many others listening to them as they try their hand at delivering snow jobs. Perhaps they feel that this vast unseen audience should have a voice in the QSO; courtesy of one's elequent station, of course! It gives a Ham's ego quite a boost to be the revered spokesman for such a large and distinguished group."
     "You could be right", Sparky admitted, "After all, you were dead right one time in 1964. You remember, that's the time you decided that Alexander Graham Bell's mother was of the female persuasion. Anyway, just to be sure, why don't you ask the members of the IRARC about their ideas with regard to this earth shaking subject?"
     Encouraged when Sparky offered me a way out of this seemingly fruitless discussion, I agreed, "good idea, Sparky, we will do just that!"
     Now it is up to you, the reader. May we expect some comment regarding this intriguing subject? Why do Hams consistently refer to themselves as "We"? Just email the author at: [email protected]. Your ideas and/or opinions regarding the subject will be included on this page!
Think of the free public exposure! Hurry - WE await word from you!
There will be absolutely no charge for the vast publicity resulting from your response!

(The foregoing article by Dixpix appeared in the November, 1990 edition of Spurious Emissions, the IRARC newsletter.)

The above display of the latest explanation of our prized PC was originally published in the Broward Amateur Radio Club Bulletin and re-printed in the May, 1990 edition of Spurious Emissions, the IRARC Newsletter.

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