Ham Radio in Egyptian Protests

I have been following this for the past few hours, very interesting:

From: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x291092

Should be interesting to see how this pans out,
KC2YZU
Tim

 

Be careful who you support over there. These protests are being cheered by Iranian state newspapers and many participants are part of the Muslim Brotherhood with similar aspirations of the 1979 Iranian revolution.

 

Yea, can't say I know enough about whats happening there to support either side, thus far I have not actually heard of any confirmed ham radio transmissions even making it out of the country (theres something like ~200 of them, I sure as heck wouldn't want to be caught transmitting in that type of environment)

KC2YZU

 

We should, to protect Ham Radio, stay out of politics in this venue. To get involved in political issues like it happens in Egypt currently may encourage governments to shut Ham radio down as they have done with the Internet and the wireless phone service in Egypt. I believe it is advisable to post political and religious comments and or opinions on a webpage dedicated to politics and or religion. No offence....

73,
Scott N7KJ

 

I agree with Scott N7KJ. We should try to stay out of the political side of issues like this. This may seam like helping but the ramifications in the aftermath could and would hurt the hobby and and Emergency Communications efforts in the future.

Sorry
73
Steve
KB9RDS

 

It is a sad situation over there.
In the past, with local wars and turmoil around the world, what has been the history of governments trying to shut down ham radio?
Anyone know from first hand experience?
Did they jam the bands?
Threaten with fines or jail?


Jim
73's
n7wxv

 

Amateur Radio should not be used for this political purpose -- Especially to subvert the will of any government.
It's not its purpose. This is not emergency communications.

 

No place for Politics!

I second that reply! better to stay out of that storm


.

 

Amateur Radio should not be used for this political purpose -- Especially to subvert the will of any government.
It's not its purpose. This is not emergency communications.

I second that quote by another Ham Member. Stay out of these politics.

 

"Internet activist"? And this is code for what? Check the web site. Anarchy comes to mind, which is always a thrill to the adolescent mind.

 

Scott

You're probably right on keeping Ham Radio the heck out of this, but Hams did use their skills and equipment during the occupation of Kuwait way back by the Iraqi army.

But having said that, you're probably right about Amateur Radio keeping out of the whole matter.

 

On the other hand, this would seem to be the perfect opportunity to practice those often underutilized listening skills and remain silent but ready to respond if needed. It certainly wouldn't hurt to listen at those times and on those frequencies when propagation is favorable for anyone - perhaps a US Embassy worker or other friendly "outsider" - in dire need of assistance.

 

Definitely no place for Ham Radio. This is not a natural disaster with starving, suffering, disease riddled innocents. Rather, it is an attempt to overthrow one dictatorial regime and to replace it with another one--probably islamofascist. The overthrow is being pushed by "The Islamic Brotherhood"--a terror organization! What else do you need to know? There are enough useful idiots, puppets, and little drummer boys/girls in the world. Don't add your name to the list!

 

Yes, I think keeping out of this is best for amateur radio. Outside of letting a loved one know they're ok, there is little we could do to assist, even if we wanted too.

 

Yes stay out of the political mess but what is being asked for is support for the fall out of the event by giving medical assistance and safety of loved ones. But Egypt is completely different environment than what is in Iran, Afghanistan,Libya the like. In that the current dictator replaced one of the Taliban like governments of the time.
The population is well educated and modern what is now happening should be politically avoided but getting information out to those in need something that Ham Radio has been a part of from it's birth and through many many situations Identical to this.