Tuesday, May 10, 2016

88% of Public Comments Either Oppose Renewal of Greek MOU or Restrictions on Coins

The overall numbers may be down from five years ago, but, if anything, the percentage of public comments against the MOU with Greece or its inclusion of coins has gone up.  Some 88% of the 207 public comments recorded on the regulations.gov website express qualms about the MOU.  And of the 25 comments in favor, those of AAMD member museums may support the MOU, but only with substantial changes.  In contrast, those who expressed unqualified support appear largely to be archaeologists who excavate in Greece at the sufferance of the Greek government.

More evidence, if any were needed, that MOUs are special interest programs for small numbers of politically connected archaeologists and their trade associations.

1 comment:

John H said...

Hello Peter:

Though I'm thousands of miles east of the States, I nevertheless detect the pungent aroma of Banana Republic/UNESCO style corruption wafting across The Pond. I may be wrong of course. You write:-

"More evidence, if any were needed, that MOUs are special interest programs for small numbers of politically connected archaeologists and their trade associations."

Indeed! One wonders who, or what, is 'fronting' and 'greasing the path' of these MOU's or indeed, signing them off?

Regards

John Howland
UK