CCdW Wrote:
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> There it is again, the “Rotting away, rusting
> away” clause. I intensely dislike this turn of
> phrase. Along comes yet another busy-body,
> know-it-all who openly criticizes an organization
> for the care and keeping (or lack thereof) of a
> historic piece without having a clue as to what it
> takes. Museums are not in the business of catering
> to their whims.
> First of all, all those critical bastards should
> be thanking that organization or person for saving
> or rescuing whatever it is from the scrapper.
> Secondly where were you when the opportunity to
> save something came up? And don’t give me that “I
> was only six years old” crap. If you don’t like
> what is happening to an artifact then join the
> program and support the preservation. You might
> find it is a little more expensive and time
> consuming than you thought.
> For someone to have rescued a car or locomotive
> shows grim determination. The cost to acquire,
> move, store, and protect is no small under taking.
> Finding a foot print upon which to set it and have
> it undisturbed can be huge. This coupled with the
> act of preservation can be staggering. Asbestos
> remediations, lead paint removal, paint to prevent
> rust even if not the right color, and covered
> storage can easily run into to the tens of
> thousands of dollars. Insurance against
> trespassers and vandals is at times more than can
> be borne by the devotee. Keeping a piece from
> destruction so perhaps the next generation can do
> something with it is to be lauded not criticized.
> Realize however, that if you take the initiative
> to join an organization for the express purpose of
> pressing preservation/restoration, that your
> opinion might not be worth much. And if you won’t
> materially contribute to the project of your
> choosing then your opinion is worth even less.
> I should also like to point out to you do-gooders
> that in this country an individual or organization
> can own stuff. They can do anything they want with
> the stuff. So the argument that you would do
> something better with the stuff doesn’t give you
> the right to demand possession of it. If you
> really want to endear yourself to an organization
> shop their collection and demand that things be
> turned over to you as a better steward. At best
> you will be told to take flying leap at the moon.
> And, in case you don’t know it, taking this
> attitude proves you’re no better at anything or
> anyone.
> So rather than cruise around the country
> eyeballing organizations that have stuff and
> aren’t doing what you think they should with it,
> go save something yourself. Be part of the
> solution not part of the problem. Put up or shut
> up.


Making America so great again!