Letter: State officials wrong to rewrite treasure-hunting law

Satori

Full Member
Aug 1, 2007
117
11
Anywhere there's treasure
By TCPalm Staff

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

State bureaucracy is out of control.

Public officials are using “remote Tallahassee workshop locations,” pre-planned “interest group e-mail comments,” orchestrated media releases and the misconception of “protecting the public trust” to implement rule changes to further their own sordid ends.

A recent article, “Rewrite of treasure hunting rules could sink business” (June 27) resembled a propaganda document. Using the “public ownership” concept as innuendo, it suggested something is being stolen, thereby misleading the public. This is an example of state capitalism or fascism.

Lost or abandoned items or cargo are just that — lost and/or abandoned. Our legal system allows a proper chain of title to be followed.

Suggesting salvers may be desecrating watery gravesites is another example.

Administrative archaeologists with personal-control issues are going too far, using the universal fear of “death” and the public’s misconception of “war graves concept” to dupe the Legislature and the public. They paint a picture of private-sector undersea explorers or salvers as grave robbers.

People have died or meet with untimely ends since the beginning of walking upright! Our whole planet is a potential grave site! Bones can be found anywhere. Rewriting administrative law concerning the salvaging of a shipwreck’s cargo will only ensure job security and financial opportunities for their professional cronies.

Most shipwrecks as a unit no longer exist. What may remain is a portion of their cargo and remnants of scattered remains. The true “treasure” these events contain is the ability to capture the public’s imagination and interest with their study. State archaeologists have little understanding of how to channel this natural public interest and educational opportunity for the public benefit. Modern debris is usually found while excavating.

Having the expense of a professional archeologist on board at all times is unnecessary.

The “human bone clause” is even more ridiculous.

Capt. Dominic Addario

Jupiter
 

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