WQ6X Asks: Is Amateur Radio OBSOLETE?

  People often think Amateur Radio is obsolete, having been superseded
  by Satellites, Cell Phones and Internet.  Remember THIS:

"Governments can at ANY TIME shutdown your cellphones
 and silence internet access.  They can't silence ME and MY
 Radio - they have to FIND Me FIRST"

- Ron Fitch (WQ6X)

Some years back, after the hurricane devastation in Puerto Rico, while Donald Trump was busy throwing rolls of paper towels as a gesture that USA is behind them all the way, radio amateurs were spearheading actual relief efforts, providing communication (dozens of cell towers were knocked out), flying in Food/Supplies/Medicines, and, equally important emotional relief that they will be alright.

Valerie (NV9L) was named "Amateur of the Year" for her leadership participation in the Puerto Rico relief effort.  While the U.S. government promised adequate funds/people to rebuild the devastation,
to my knowledge, much of the money disappeared quietly due to congressional quibbling.  (Note to higher-ups in the U.S. government: Providing money and relief resources should be a NON-partisan activity.)

When it comes to EM-Comm training, we don't care about your religious or political affiliations,
our only concern is having proper training, to be ready when the next disaster strikes.  A BiG part
of MY preparedness is participation in Cw/Ssb/RTTY radiosport contests, trying out operations from different locations and using a myriad of different equipment configurations; some work well and
some don't - better to find out NOW before the next disaster strikes.

Do YOU participate in radio sport contests?

If SO, Tell me about your activities.

If NoT, WHY Knot?