Let's not mischaracterize or demonize anyone in this conversation. OK? People collect stuff - no matter if they are soldiers or curators or some kid picking up arrowheads in a field. And people sell stuff - whether it is in a village in the Middle East or in Sotheby's. The real issue is how a museum or historic site defines it's collecting ethics and parameters. As many have rightly pointed out, the military now has strict regulations on the collecting of war "booty" and any institution who knowingly crosses that line would certainly be liable if found out. Since collecting is an activity that defines us as human beings and, however unfortunately, war and the necessity of having soldiers defines us too, I see no reason whatsoever to examine those facts in any museum exhibit. This is just as valid as an exhibition of objects left at the Vietnam War Memorial or the Fashions of the First Ladies. The situation is Iraq is unfortunate and is daily becoming more of a deadly mess. I personally do not blame or impugn any of the brave Americans who volunteer and put themselves in harm's way. If you complain about anyone complain about the politicians and leaders who placed us there with a nonfactual rationale, had a "fantasy" plan on the postwar period, and who have viciously attacked any critics who have exercised their First Amendment Rights on the topic. But, to also be fair, we have improved the public utilities in some areas, built some schools, and provided a steady flow of food, and deposed Sadaam and his Bathist brethren. I walked out on the Santa Monica Pier a couple of weeks ago and saw something as powerful as any art work or exhibition that I have ever encountered. On the beach adjacent to the pier the Veterans for Peace have erected a mock cemetery - with white crosses perfectly and symmetrically laid out in the sand representing each American who has been killed in Iraq - with a board along the front listing each name. A powerful and symbolic reminder of the true cost of this war (and any war for that matter). So has it been worth it? Dave Harvey ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).