A new section under the Antiquities Law

Government types, you've got to love 'em-----the worst thing about it is, that at least in the representational democracies we're ultimately responsible for empowering the loonies.

BA

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Thats funny on the surface but deep down its totally maddening. I am really getting sick of the government  and its continual encroachment on  personal freedom.
I am guessing this would include meteorites, tektites of obscure origin as well.  I love the assumption that their claim to the scientific knowledge  of any found object is greater than the finders rights. We already dont control any mineral resources found on our land. We don't even own water rights any more.
So the solution of course is if you find something don't tell anyone or say you found it in the ocean People will be reluctant to  declare any found object and its value may be lost as a result. Way to go
If normally I found some item of scientific interest I wouldnt mind having it researched even held in safekeeping or for public view in a museum but I  dont see why I cant keep ownership as a finders right.
Anyway I find this law odious and illegal and  in contravention of my magna carta rights to own a weapon including alien death rays and thus declare it null and void 

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Hello Richard Ray

That problem seems to be a universal problem. I do not condone looting of archeological sites or whole sale destruction of such sites either. Treasure hunting is as old as prostitution.

But I do believe private enterprise has a role as well institutional archeology profession.
After all we can privatize water, electricity, prisons etc why can't we privatize the archeology profession?

 Why is my hard earned taxpayer dollars supporting a small elitist group of academics wonderful lifestyle. And when I want to find out what they really do I have to pay then to see their work?

Some thing like a British potable antiquities scheme should act as guide to a fairer system for all.

But sadly All I see at the moment is cash grab by the states in many countries which will do more damage to cultural assets in the long term.  Because if they are driving treasure hunting underground. They will cause many items to disappear through the black market either to melted down or to never see the light of day.

The Irony of it all some of the most amazing finds in history has been found by amateurs.

Hardluck



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