Tonight, as I monitored a local 2m net, the net control decided to bring up the subject of electric vehicles.
One of the participants became agitated. He began spouting off about some anti-Biden stuff. (I have no idea if what he said was accurate or not, it sounded pretty far-fetched – but that’s how some of these tin-foil hat types act regardless of the topic).
Don’t get me wrong I’m not sold on them myself–but I’m also not freaking out about it either. I think we have a long way to go before our grid can handle everyone charging electric cars, and I’m concerned about battery replacement costs and the disposal of expended batteries. Still, I think adult men should be able to converse about the topic without coming to virtual fisticuffs.
When another net member or two offered some reasonable response to the hysterics of the ranter, he began walking over people and shouting childish gibberish. At least I assume it was the same guy. It sounded like him. This behavior continued for a few minutes, and then the net ended rather awkwardly.
This is the part of ham radio I wished to avoid and one of the reasons I let my license expire 20 years ago. I just couldn’t fit into the local groups — too many “extra” crazies who can’t allow for anyone to have a different opinion. And this behavior tonight was the epitome of childishness.
No one spoke up and called the guy out, which is disappointing. That sort of behavior shouldn’t be tolerated.
I guess I shouldn’t complain so much about old farts exchanging weather and health reports.