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From: Tompaleo@aol.com Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 22:02:24 -0500 To: paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk Subject: Re: DS/SVP/PS Poll Results Status: O The results of this poll are certainly encouraging. Overally, I too agree with the majority in _most_ of the questions. There were a cuple of responses that disturb me however and for the sake of brevity, I will address those responses that do so. > Scenario #1 Scenario #2 Scenario #3 Questions > Vertebrate --Private Vertebrate --Public Invertebrate --Public > >(Q1) The fossil is mine, finders keepers >Agree 46.0% 17.0% 16.3% >Disagree 48.7% 81.0% 81.3% > Scenario #1 involves the fossil being on "my own" property. In that context I have to agree with the land owner. As much as I abhor the thought of someone not alerting the proper scientific authorities <sic> the fossil _belongs_ to the land owner and NO ONE should have the authority to wrest it from him. What disturbs me is that a slight majority of respondants seem to want to violate a property owner's right ostensibly for the 'common good'. >(Q4) The fossil is part of our heritage, it belongs to everyone > in the United States. >Agree 68.0% 86.6% 89.7% >Disagree 26.7% 12.3% 8.0% While I _technically_ agree with the majority, I feel the question was too vague and can be used in such a way as to justify confiscation of private property! Yes the fossil's scientific importance is a part of our heritage and every effort should be made to secure it for all to see and enjoy. But not at the expense of the property owner. > >(Q5) It's within the bounds of my property, I should be allowed > to do whatever I want to do with it. What's important here > are my property rights. >Agree 63.0% >Disagree 32.7% > Exactly my sentiments! If government is going to get involved, then a quid pro quo of some kind should be negotiated such as tax breaks, easements etc that make it worth the owners while to give up his find. Positive encouragement not coersion is the answer! > > GENERAL QUESTIONS > >(Q1) It's okay with me for someone to buy and sell fossils. >Agree 49.3% >Disagree 42.6% Within certain restrictions. I agree as well. Q4) All fossils found in the United States, whether found > on private or public lands should be the property of public > institutions like museums or universities. >Agree 64.0% >Disagree 31.6% I emphatically disagree with this majority! For reasons stated previously, private property rights must be preserved. Public lands are of course a different matter. > >(Q5) There should be a law to stop people from collecting > fossils on Federally Managed Public Lands. >Agree 75.7% >Disagree 19.3% > >(Q6) There should be a law to stop people from collecting > fossils on all state lands. >Agree 64.7% >Disagree 27.0% I generally agree with #5 and #6 but I do not think it should be totally proscribed. Limited, private collecting for study should be allowed with the proviso that any scientifically significant specimens MUST be reported to the proper authorities and that the person(s) are not allowed to touch it. >(Q8) This is the United States, we should encourage free > enterprise. A law restricting the selling of fossils collected > on private lands is wrong. >Agree 54.7% >Disagree 38.0% > I disagree with this majority as well. It would be illegal and unconstitutional to attempt proscribe the selling of fossils found on private property, period! That's about it. My love of paleontology will never go so farb as to presume sovereignty over property that does not belong to me. As much as I hate those slash and burn fosil dealers and their ignorant or uncaring clients and property owners, it is their right to be slime. Enough of our liberties have been compromisesd and nibbled at by Big Brother as it is. Keep government out of private property but regulate public lands as much as you want! Regards, Thomas R. Lipka Paleontological/Geological Studies
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