> More to the point, why would I want to have to get the government's permission in order to talk on it? One of the key purposes of the amateur radio service i

> More to the point, why would I want to have to get the government's permission in order to talk on it? One of the key purposes of the amateur radio service is experimentation. This brings with it the risk that I might inadvertently disrupt other communication services, potentially endangering human lives. The tests/licensing guarantees a minimum level of competence to mitigate that risk, while the clear-text and station identification requirements makes it possible to tell me to stop it if I do end up disrupting other services. I see it comparable to our driver license system. Yes it invades our freedom somewhat, but it reduces a lot of human suffering.