Italian Archaeologists Chafe at Possible Oversight

The Berlusconi government wants better oversight to help address much needed conservation efforts. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/arts/design/12foru.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Italy%20archaeological&st=cse Unfortunately, Italian archaeologists are digging in their heels at the prospect of anyone other than the entrenched cultural bureaucrats of the old guard deciding what is best for Italy's cultural treasures. This is a shame. Italy has far less money than cultural sites in desperate need. As a result, the available funds must be spent as efficiently as possible and additional monies need to be generated. The government is at least trying to tackle the problem. It is indeed sad that archaeologists would rather see Italy's monuments crumble than cede some of their power to help modernize Italy's failing system of cultural preservation.