That is the problem. Libertarianism isn't about run away corporatism, in fact corporatism is anathema to the libertarian ideology of maximum individual liberty and minimal government. Corporatism stifles the free market, which in turn stifles individual liberty and free choice. A little research beyond listening to the "I take Atlas Shrugged way too far and don't know what I'm talking about" crowd would show that.

Or if you want to delve into Sci Fi geekery, read Heinlein's stuff, or for a fun read try Michael Z. Williamson's Freehold series. That will give you a decent dose of libertarianism.

Ah, I was gonna reply with a well reasoned response disputing all your claims, but I see you are posting as AC. Typical.

I've always wanted a can of tuna that can run CP/M

Yes you can. I've even seen QR Code's sent in certain digital modes, and there is also slow scan TV, packet email, and all sorts of stuff. If it can be sent wireless, there is probably a ham radio mode for it. Oh, and ham isn't an acronym, no need to capitalize the whole word. However, totalitarian nations, usually have few, if any amateur radio operators; and they are usually heavily restricted and watched.

Well said, well said.

I'm lucky. The old timers I know think Echolink is cool, and run solid state rigs, while talking about how cool their old boat anchors were.

Morse code is an art, not a requirement, Tubes are for fun, and having echolink on my Android is cool. So far I haven't ran into any of those cranky old bastards you describe, except online at QRZ.com

I've been a ham since I was 29, and got into it after bugging myself for a few years to do it, especially since the code requirement was dropped. Local 2 meter is fun, and what is way cool is playing with 20m, and calling Alaska, and learning why the Bellingham net control couldn't hear me in Olympia, but Alaska could copy me. And stuff like that.

I finally decided that when I run into some cranky old bastard pining for the days of spark gap transmitters, and enough tubes to heat his house, that I just won't care. I've got my solid state rigs, I've got a tube AM receiver for retro cool, and I got such a killer deal on a couple of tube amps I'm gonna buy 'em.

Screw the intolerant ones. This is a hobby about technology. Keep up with it, or fall behind. Old tech is fun stuff, and I love playing with vintage gear, but I'll be damned if I'm going to be treated like a second class ham because I don't know code beyond my callsign yet, and don't have toobz in my radios. Bah. I earned my license by golly gee whiz.

Dear Reader has a website. Now he get up to date with 21st century right quick! Next upgrade website with Adobe Frash prayer, and piss off riberal Apper fanboiz who can't see furr webpage on iphone.

HTC Magic with custom 2.1 ROM. I'm still looking for a seamless bit of software, but that still won't help me if I go over 5 gigs in a month.

T Mobile does the same with their mobile wifi. I pay to tether my phone, and full speed caps at 5 gig, and slows after that. I'm quite happy with it. Now if they'd offer a plan to restore speed after 5 gigs for a price, I might even do that.

I pay for 5gb at full speed, and then anything over that at reduced speeds. Then I pay another $15 to purchase tethering, and use my HTC Magic as my home internet connection, which I believe gives me more data as well. With 500 minutes, unlimited text, unlimited data (with the first 5 gigs at full speed) and unlimited tethering and wifi sharing, fees, etc... my bill is $95 per month. I'm happy. I hope this never goes away.

Fair enough. Actually all US calls are available via the FCC, and then through several other databases that just regurgitate the FCC. It's annoying to be sure. But I hope band conditions keep improving. I got a bit obsessed with 10m before I got my General ticket, and I'm still annoyed at how closed it is. Of course now I have more stuff to work, but damnit I want ten to open up on sheer principle.

Now there you go posting that without your call. KF7MJF

The question is, what super villain will want the secret mutated iron eating bacteria to use in some fiendish plot to take over the world? My money is on the Iranians.

In Soviet Russia, pun make you!

http://xkcd.com/651/