This raises an excellent point that  seems to have been overlooked (or perhaps I've just missed it) in the discussion so far - What preparations did the cultural institutions themselves take in preparation for the war and its possible consequences? In anticipation of W.W.II, artwork, books, documents were secured in caves, bunkers, etc. across Europe in an attempt to protect the objects from bombing and looting. This current war did not arrive without warning - were not steps taken to secure the cultural icons and treasures? Even if the looting was unanticipated, surely some steps were taken to protect against bombing?

Please understand - this is not a case of blaming the victim but an opportunity for all of us to learn so that next time we are better prepared.

Robin Campbell, Associate Curator
NYS Bureau of Historic Sites
Waterford, NY 

-----Original Message-----
From: Joann Lindstrom [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 9:28 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Enough Already


I would have no life whatsoever if I read every e-mail I have received from
this list on the subject of looting in Iraq.

This could be a great opportunity for discussion on disaster preparedness.
We could explore ways in which we could work together to assist our Iraqi
colleagues during this terrible tragedy. Maybe we could write angry letters
to our representatives who seem to be doing nothing about this situation...

Please--I urge all of you to do one/some of the above and leave your
politics at home. This list is not the venue for political discussion.

Joann Lindstrom
Museum Consultant
Candor, NY

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