Legendary anchorman Walter Cronkite, the face of the 'CBS Evening News' from 1962 to 1981 and called 'the most trusted man in America,' has died at age 92.
Rest in Peace Walter.
Today we look back at Walter Cronkite's views on amateur radio, and what he called his "regrettable involvement" with the recently reactivated IARN/AARA bulletin service.
Walter Cronkite, the famous CBS broadcaster, had a long history with ARRL, and his work on their behalf may be found today on their excellent page documenting his life and his passing.
Walter Cronkite stated, in writing, that he had personal experience with Baxter's lack of ethics, and through his attorney, Ronald S. Konecky, Cronkite claimed that Baxter misused his voice and his image, among other things, and he made a demand that Baxter cease and desist.
Baxter refused to accede to Cronkite's demand, and Cronkite subsequently decided to forgo court action. According to Cronkite's longtime administrative assistant, Cronkite was unwilling to devote funds to a court action which would bring publicity to Glenn Baxter. Cronkite referred to Baxter as "that odious little man" along with other, more personal "endearments" which will remain unpublished.
For the record, Cronkite also stated, "When Baxter approached me, asking me for an audio ID, I believed that Baxter represented ARRL. It was only later that I realized he had misrepresented himself and his organization, and by that time Baxter had the ID, and of course, he refused to stop using it."
Cronkite's Attorney Writes to Baxter
Page two of the Attorney's letter to Baxter
Baxter allegedly misusing Cronkite's voice.
Baxter's alleged misuse of Cronkite's image.
Walter Cronkite's letter about his experience with Baxter's lack of ethics.
For once, it's not VE7KFM... On June 20, 2009, Glenn Baxter wrote to the FCC asking about his 2005 license renewal. This seemed to signal the return of the Baxter bulletin. In the words of Paul Harvey, we'll let you in on "the rest of the story." First, we'll review Baxter's history, for those readers who are unacquainted with Glenn Baxter and his bulletin service.
To date, for reasons best known to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine, Baxter's fine remains uncollected.
Here, you can read the $21,000 Forfeiture Order levied against Baxter.
Between 1985 and the present, the FCC and other governmental agencies have received hundreds of complaints regarding Glenn A. Baxter.
Baxter has claimed that his organization, the International Amateur Radio Network (IARN) is "the world leader in Amateur Radio Emergency Communications."
In 2006, Baxter informed his listeners that he would remain on the air until physically taken off the air. Karol Madera advised Baxter to use a .308 Winchester in the defense of his property. To Baxter's credit, not long after Madera began making these kinds of statements, Madera was "disinvited" as an IARN/AARA cohost.
Also to Baxter's credit, recent publications have stated that Baxter deplores the antics of the VE7 station. After an absence of three years, Baxter has returned, and beginning in July, 2009, Baxter's bulletin has resumed on 14275 and 3890 KHz.
Baxter's License was "offlined for Enforcement Bureau action.". His license expired on October 17, 2005. Baxter's license remains in limbo. His application for renewal has not been granted, and his application has been set-aside. However, he may continue to operate until the FCC acts on his license renewal application. We emphasize again, Baxter is legally allowed to operate on the amateur bands, and he is legally allowed to operate a bulletin station.
Baxter's 'set aside' letter from the FCC.
Baxter's $21,000 NAL from the FCC.
Baxter called the FCC's $21,000 fine "silly and anemic" and he says "the FCC is corrupt."
Rich Whiten, (ex) WB2OTK was a sometime Baxter cohost whom Baxter has promised to bring back. Whiten's license was cancelled by the FCC after they received a communication from Whiten requesting the cancellation. Later, Whiten claimed "hackers" had sent the request. Later still, Whiten claimed his wife had sent the request by mistake. Whiten is no longer a licensed amateur.
Richard Whiten has frequently posted extremely racist remarks on the internet. Whiten's posts were preoccupied with sodomy and other homo-erotic themes. The FCC stated that they received "numerous complaints regarding profanity, obscenity, broadcasting extreme racial slurs, deliberate interference and failure to properly identify" regarding Richard Whiten. Riley Hollingsworth, of the FCC, also wrote that he'd received complaints that Whiten had "played recordings over the air for the purpose of harrassment or deliberate interference."
As previously mentioned, Karol Madera, VE7KFM, of Saanich, BC was also a Baxter co-host. In 2005, Madera became notorious in his own right, by virtue of the violent content, obscenity, homophobia, racial and ethnic slurs, and anti-American sentiments he transmits on 14275 KHz.
Todd Daugherty of Taylorville, Illinois is a self-acknowledged Pirate. Daugherty is best known for his death threats, solicitation to murder, posing online with deadly weapons, and for hosting and trading animated depictions of children being raped by adults, which he calls "art."
Daugherty, who holds the callsign N9OGL, has referred to the ARRL as the "ASSHOLE RADIO RELAY LEAGUE" and to Riley Hollingsworth as that "little bitchwhore/anti-free speecher." He refers to the FCC as "those NAZI SCUMBAGS." Recently, Daugherty posted this fabricated picture of Riley Hollingsworth in Nazi regalia, on his blog. Daugherty is the recipient of two FCC Warning letters, and he was investigated by the FBI for threats made over the Internet.
Donald Anderson, N4TAT (ex-W4JYZ) of Warner Robins, GA is a self-described "convicted drug felon" and "child murderer" who has been cited by the FCC in the past. Anderson has frequently been heard supporting Glenn Baxter and Karol Madera on the air. Anderson has expressed the opinion that "America is the Devil."
Caution, clips contain obscenity, racism, homo-erotic themes, violence, and other topics considered unsuitable for children.
Baxter warns, "I will be on the air until I am physically taken off the air!"
Baxter's co-host Karol Madera advises Glenn Baxter to Prepare for a Swat Team.
Baxter's co-host Karol Madera tells Baxter, "It is well past the knife fight stage Glenn!"
Baxter's friend and radio co-host Richard Whiten (ex WB2OTK) delivers an extremely racist monologue.
Donald Anderson announces his intent to beat his radio to death with a camping hatchet.
Baxter's co-host Karol Madera greets his friend Donald Anderson.
Baxter's co-host, Karol Madera, writes to Bob Sherin, and Others
Baxter referred to himself as being mentally ill on his website, which is now largely defunct. Here are other statements Baxter has made about himself.
On WWII: "Adolf Hitler was politically brilliant. World War II had many positive effects on our world."
On education: "I ended up with an engineering school 2.35 GPA. I screwed around through my first 8 grades of school. It took me 6 1/2 years to get through 4 years of college."
On the courts: "I was charged by the Connecticut State Police with reckless driving, a serious offence. Judge Pooler came up out of his chair! Mr. Baxter, I don't know what you are, but whatever it is, it STINKS."
On mental illness: "Am I sick? You bet I am, and I am quite proud to be mentally ill!"
There are more than 1,000 unflattering comments posted on one website alone regarding Glenn Baxter. There are (or were) websites devoted exclusively to discussion of Baxter. The vast majority of published comments are negative. Many comments focus on the FCC's allegations against Baxter. The remainder are based on personal observations and experiences.
Leo Meyerson
On November 18, 2005, Leo Meyerson, founder of the renowned World Radio Labs, informed the amateur community that he does not support Glenn Baxter, IARN, AARA, or any of Baxter's activities. In fact, Meyerson is incensed that Baxter appears to be using his likeness and image to promote his businesses. He went on to say he has not seen or spoken with Baxter in over 20 years. Meyerson sent a letter to the FCC urging them not to renew Baxter's FCC license.
Leo Meyerson is an acknowledged pioneer in the field of radio, and the founder of World Radio Laboratories and Galaxy Electronics. Throughout his life Leo has been very active in public service. A life member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association, Leo served as a National Director from 1977 to 1987. In 1991 he was named the QCWA Amateur Member of the year and in 1994 he was inducted into the QCWA Hall of Fame. Leo is also a life member of the American Radio Relay League, Society of Wireless Pioneers, and International Mission Radio Association among other associations. In 1980 Leo was elected a fellow of the Radio Club of America, one of the most prestigious radio clubs in America.
Hap Holly, author of the Rain Report
Hap Holly joined Walter Cronkite and Leo Meyerson on the topic of K1MAN and IARN/AARA. Read Hap's insightful essay here:
Fred Osterman
Despite a link to Universal Radio and a suggestion on Glenn Baxter's website that AARA Visa users would receive free shipping, the President of Universal Radio denies any affiliation with Glenn Baxter or his business.
"I can assure you that Universal Radio is not affiliated with Glen Baxter and his AARA. The reference on his website is not authorized. We have tried to get it removed, but have not been successful. Baxter does not listen to anyone it seems. Don't believe everything you see on the Internet."
Fred Osterman, President Universal Radio Inc.
Bob Sherin, W4ASX
Former IARN member and author, Bob Sherin, "Glenn, again I reiterate. At one point you were on the way up, but you took a wrong turn. You are no great thinker, no great lawyer, a poor writer, a poor communicator, a very, very poor ham, and a mentally disordered individual, growing worse."
Vermont Academy
Robert Barr, Director of Advancement at Baxter's Alma Mater wrote, "If even a portion of what [has been said about Baxter] is true, it marks an unfortunate turn of events. I assure you that the positive good works of Vermont Academy continue, despite what circumstances beyond our control might indicate." ~Robert A. Barr, Director of Advancement, Vermont Academy
Senator Elizabeth Schneider, Maine
Referring to a sentiment about Baxter, made by the Maine legislature, Senator Schneider wrote, "A sentiment made fifteen years ago (1985) is not something that validates or endorses a persons credibility and/or behavior. I am sorry to hear that a sentiment is being used in an inappropriate manner. I've never heard of another problem like this. It is possible the way to address this issue is to set a rule or law that prevents people from using sentiments in advertising."
The Manchester Newsletter
Baxter offered a reward for information as to the identity of the publisher of this newsletter. Rambling, disjointed, funny, and defamatory (according to Baxter), the Manchester Newsletter was reposted online (with commentary) by Baxter supporter and self acknowledged pirate, Todd Daugherty, N9OGL.
Baxter repeatedly transmitted the phone number of Daniel Carver, the self-acknowledged racist and KKK member over the air. Amateurs who called the phone number aired by Baxter, heard Daniel Carver's racist answering machine message. Baxter was asked to apologize regarding the incident, but he has never done so. As previously noted, Baxter co-hosts Richard Whiten and Karol Madera are both well-known for delivering racist diatribes. One internet poster published this creative representation of Baxter's relationship with Daniel Carver.
Daniel Carver's racist message.
Regarding Baxter's association with Richard Whiten, Baxter was informed, "Some truly disgusting racist remarks are posted by your co-host. Will you apologize on your co-hosts behalf?" Whiten's ip address (at that time) was (24.177.228.188) and it was definitively matched to the offensive comments posted by mo-fo@hushmail.com an email address known to be used by Whiten.
A few of the extreme racial slurs, homoerotic comments, and general harrassment by Richard Whiten, which were aimed at those who have made offical complaints against Glenn Baxter are still posted here.
Felony Affidavit Complaints
So-called 'Felony Affidavit Complaints' authored by Glenn Baxter were published on the internet where they were viewed hundreds of times by internet users. Baxter's claims were called "defamatory, false, negligent, unprivileged, and actionable."
A complaint was been sent to the Maine Attorney General alleging that Baxter's advertisements were in violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act because they contained misrepresentations, omissions, and practices likely to mislead consumers. Numerous complaints were sent to the FTC, SEC, and Maine Attorney General regarding Baxter's unsolicited commercial email.
As an example, the registered acronym DARE appeared on Baxter's website without permission. DARE is the registered trademark of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. DARE is in no way affiliated with IARN or AARA.
Baxter often used ARRL's copyrighted work without crediting the ARRL. The uncredited works appeared in several K1MAN bulletins and on Baxter's webpage. ARRL's attorney, Chris Imlay has written to Baxter regarding these issues .
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was asked to investigate the tax exempt status of the IARN in light of allegations surrounding IARN's President and Network Manager, Glenn Baxter. The IRS rdowngraded Baxter's IARN from a public charity, to a private non-operating foundation, resulting in a net loss of 20% deductibility for donors.
A Petition to Deny Baxter's license renewal application was filed with the FCC by Keith Lamonica, an attorney who has testified in front of the FCC and in front of the US Senate as an expert witness. Lamonica is also the winner of an ARRL Technical Achievement Award. Some of the allegations regarding Baxter's character, as outlined in the petition, are listed below:
+ Baxter used Rockwell Collins Marks and Logo without permission.
+ Baxter misused Walter Cronkite's Voice ID.
+ Baxter interfered with Health and Welfare traffic.
+ Baxter was fired from his job for making threats.
+ Baxter uses his radio station to threaten others.
+ Baxter failed to respond to FCC directives.
+ Baxter threatens other Hams.
+ Baxter wilfully interferes with other people's communications.
+ Baxter advertises his business over amateur radio.
+ Baxter interfered with over 80 Boy Scouts during their Jamboree On the Air.
+ Baxter uses amateur radio for business purposes.
+ Baxter has demonstrated a lack of character qualifications required to maintain licensure.
+ Baxter uses his radio station to cause injury to others.
Baxter wrote, "It took me 5 years to get through 4 year Vermont Academy and 6 1/2 years to get through 4 years of engineering school. I flunked my first stabs at Novice (theory), Tech (theory), General (code), Extra Theory, and First Class Commercial." Baxter says he attended Northwestern University for two years, but he was doing so poorly that he was advised to start over, somewhere else. After leaving Northwestern, he attended the University of Rhode Island where he eventually obtained a degree. Baxter currently has PE licenses in Illinois and Maine.
Baxter said he worked in 2005 as a substitute teacher at a prison school. Prior to that, he was fired from his job at a radio station. Baxter also worked as a radio technician repairing radios. Baxter described himself as head of a watchdog entity interested in professional engineering accountability. On his webpage, and in formal correspondence, Baxter wrote that he was the Executive Director of the Fire Hazard Reduction Institute (FHRI) and that he is a "certified fire safety advisor."
The Maine Board of Professional Engineers referred to Baxter as "a peddler of smoke alarms."
Baxter sued for defamation regarding allegations that he threatened his employers at his radio station job. He lost that suit in Maine Superior Court, then he lost his appeal in the Maine Supreme Court.
Baxter lost his 10 million dollar suit against the FCC, and he lost the AM power limit case he brought against the FCC. Listing all of Baxter's failed law suits would take several pages.
Baxter's Suit Against the FCC.
Baxter sued an attorney for defamation because the attorney said Baxter threatened his employers while he was employed as an Engineer. Baxter lost the suit in Maine Supreme Court.
Baxter offered a reward for information regarding claims that he is a "child molester," a "pirate broadcaster," and that he is "running a pyramid scheme." The Manchester Newsletter made all of those claims, and more. Baxter's reward for information about the publisher of the Newsletter was the topic of an item contained in Amateur Radio Newsline #1053. Baxter sued several individuals whom he thought may have authored the Newsletter. He lost those suits.
The Maine Board of Professional Licensure wrote Glenn Baxter on July 17, 2006 regarding what Baxter called an 18" thick file containing ethics violation complaints about him. The Board cautioned Baxter that he should only use his PE credential when actually doing professional engineering work.
The Board also found that Baxter had employed his professional engineering credential on reports entitled "Engineering Reports" when in fact their substance did not constitute professional engineering. In addition, the Board found that Baxter had employed his PE credential in conjunction with other titles such as "certified fire safety advisor" which were unrelated to professional engineering.
The Board suggested that Baxter's habit of using his PE credential while doing work unrelated to professional engineering might erroneously appear to to the lay person as investing Baxter with additional expertise or credibility. Baxter's response (among other things) was that the Board was attempting to stifle his freedom of expression. In July, 2009, Baxter once again used his PE credential, contrary to the explicit instructions of the PE Board in Maine.
A few of the many websites about Baxter listed below:
A qrz.com thread about Baxter's Forfeiture
An article about Baxter at eHam.net
Satire about Baxter and his businesses
Further allegations about Baxter.
