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WHOA!! I've been reading all the comments and *WARNINGS* and *ALERTS* and *WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN* on techdiver about nasty, totally unwarranted laws to protect shipwrecks. There was all the old stuff about "most wrecks aren't important," and "besides, they'll all be destroyed by the *ANGRY [CORROSIVE] SEA* real soon if we don't all go rip 'em up right away." There were the protests of "renewed bureaucratic efforts to yank away our last vestiges of *INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS*," etc. Apparently, it's all the result of the United Nations plan: "Buenos Aires Draft Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage." Okay, most of us are opposed to too much interference by government, but doesn't anyone on techdiver think some shipwrecks should be preserved? Doesn't anyone believe that by protecting historic shipwrecks the government is actually preserving the rights of those divers--now and in the future--who want to enjoy seeing the wrecks as they now are? Doesn't anyone liken shipwreck preserves to national parks or marine sanctuaries that protect representative examples of things that make our lives richer and more meaningful? And . . . come on now . . . do wreck divers really think that a few shipwreck preserves will leave you with "no place to dive"?!? I'm ready to discuss any issue with any body, but I HATE illogical, emotionally-charged B.S.! (Can I say B.S. on the net??) Please, folks, don't oppose preservation laws without looking at them fairly and objectively. As an archaeologist, I don't try to save everything that's connected with the human race, and, by the same token, I'm hoping that most people don't want to destroy all evidence of our past. How about somebody (is there a suitable spokesperson?) stating the issues as follows: (1) the ACTUAL wording of the offending proposed legislation (too often, we only get someone's interpretation, not the real facts), (2) the major objections from the dive community and (3) the suggested alternative approach to the problem. I'll be happy to discuss these issues, and I know there are others who will do the same. Thanks. John D. Broadwater MONITOR Nat. Marine Sanctuary Bldg. 1519, Ft. Eustis, VA 23604 804-878-2973 (fax 878-4619) jbroadwater@oc*.no*.no*.go*
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