Wise, visionary, intelligent, diplomatic, worldly, considerate, a communicator, tolerant, compassionate, astute and decidedly with a sense of history. As you read those words to a person, admit that you scored 100% in a self-assessment.
This is not unlike the nursery rhyme saying... Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all. It is just human nature to stretch the truth but there is a clear and present danger of perception versus reality in that an attribute masks actions that are contrary to the rule of law.
As an example, drug trafficking is abhorrent but assuring there are no survivors in a boat raid raises ethical questions. Rounding up US Citizens because they look foreign is yet another example. These actions clearly have the purpose to demonstrate strength and power but on the other side of the equation what actions are being taken to fix the root cause. It is very evident the long-term problem resolution actions don't garner headlines or rouse up the base. That is the reality.
Keep in mind 2026 is about 18 days away and that is when all of us need to deal with the assessment of the 2026 mid-term candidates. A place to start is to use similar characteristics as written in the 1st sentence and measure each candidate. He or she looks good on TV is not an attribute high on the list.
Christmas Wish List
If you are blessed with having a spouse or partner who understands your obsession with ham radio and asks what would you like for Christmas here are some suggestions. This curated list won't break the bank yet will still be useful beyond New Years Day. [All items are available at Bozos (BoJack + Bezos).]
About $30
About $20
About $30
About $50
About $25
About $90 ~ RPi5 8GB
These are far better than receiving a FUT (Fat Ugly Tie), a bottle of Vitamins, ugly socks or home remedy medications like Vick's Vapor Rub and Baking Soda*.
Two items on that list may raise an eyebrow or two like the Baofeng UV5R or the Nano VNA especially coming from me. There needs to be a recognition that about 1/2 the US ham population do not have HF privileges and most likely have a UV5R in their kit. So, if you only have HF equipment for less than $20 you can talk to the other half.
In the half that do have HF privileges many have the Extra Class License but no knowledge of or background in electronics. The Nano VNA is a tool to measure and explore the mysteries of RF as applied to ham radio circuits. It is possible with the Nano VNA to discover that your antenna has a high SWR and that is why you keep having to send your Yaseu back to California for repair.
A true story... A ham I know in the Pacific Northwest related that he thanked his lucky stars every day that he married the woman that he did. He was afraid of heights and his non-ham XYL willingly climbed his tower to make antenna repairs. Now that is love supreme. My XYL (SK) disliked ham radio and so would never climb my tower.
Keep in mind those who will not have a joyous Christmas and make a cash donation to an appropriate organization that will provide a meal to those less fortunate. Many of those so affected feel their government has failed them.
Them that know can make things go.
73's
Pete N6QW
* As a PSA from Copilot
Short Answer: The so‑called “13‑second baking soda trick” is a viral internet scam. It falsely claims that drinking baking soda mixed with water can act like Viagra or cure erectile dysfunction. There is no scientific evidence to support this, and health experts warn it’s misleading marketing designed to sell unproven supplements.
