The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Virginian squares off against Poland over rare rifle

Buzzcook · July 11, 2013, 01:02 PM

It would be nice if the Polish government paid to get the gun back. After all the man in Virginia only paid $9500 for it.

But it wouldn't be a smart move on their part. Governments work on precedent as well as written law. If the Poles start a precedent of paying for stolen antiquities in this case then it could be argued that they should in every case.

Another problem is that this is a matter between governments. If Poland were to by pass the treaties and agreements they have with the US government it would set another bad precedent.
We want foreign governments to go through the channels that are set up by international agreement. It's a good thing.

July 11, 2013, 01:02 PM	#61
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	It would be nice if the Polish government paid to get the gun back. After all the man in Virginia only paid $9500 for it. But it wouldn't be a smart move on their part. Governments work on precedent as well as written law. If the Poles start a precedent of paying for stolen antiquities in this case then it could be argued that they should in every case. Another problem is that this is a matter between governments. If Poland were to by pass the treaties and agreements they have with the US government it would set another bad precedent. We want foreign governments to go through the channels that are set up by international agreement. It's a good thing.