Re: Trading fossils illegal in Italy?

[Tompaleo@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 96-06-25 18:43:42 EDT, you write:

>Three Points:
>1. As with many laws, the majority of well-intentioned and honest 
>people are often put to a disadvantage because of the past actions of 
>an irresponsible few.  Australia is currently having a major debate 
>over gun restrictions, caused by just this factor.  We all have to 
>live with it - it is part of living as a society.
>


Every time some nut does that here in the US we go through such "debates".
Unfortunately, it is almost always the _honest_ _law_abiding_ citizen who
pays with more restrictions and less freedom! That is not (IMHO) something we
should have to live with and is a typical knee jerk reaction by invertebrate
politicians who are steered by biased polls and media hype! We don't have to
live with it if we speak and act rationally and as a group   (to propose
rational responses) to  the politicians, regardless of the country involved!


>2. The export of fossils was probably caught up with the policy 
>development on trading in artefacts - which is a much more serious 
>problem. However, there have been examples of theft and 
>clandestine export of significant fossil specimens.

As I believe has happened here in the US. But that reflects the politicians
ignorance since they are unlikely to discern the difference between a fossil
and an archaeological artifact. Nor do they care! See diatribe in no. 1
above.
>
>3. The restrictions are cumbersome - but the system does work. It is 
>quite possible to export material that is not of significant 
>scientific value. Export of specimens which potentially may be made 
>types of new species is definitely out - these should be lodged in a 
>suitable local museum. 

I can't answer for the former but as for the latter, I definitely agree to an
extent. If (God forbid) a landowner finds what turns out to be a type
specimen but no museum in his own country can or will pay his price, he has
the right to sell it to whomever he pleases.  MUCH AS I DISLIKE THAT THOUGHT!
In the past I have made it plain that I disdain so called fossil dealers who
plow through and tresspass property to get one or two good fossils for huge
profit. I DO NOT have a problem with those who work with scientists and act
responsibly. But there are grey areas and we need to find a solution.

I can never condone a Big Brother approach to fossil collecting and selling.
We must endeavor to strike the best possible balance between individual
rights, public rights and scientific rights. A too heavy a hand in favor of
one or the other will only encourage more " illicit"  behavior by those who
get the short end. IMHO

>
Regards,
Thomas R. Lipka
Paleontological/Geological Studies