Re: Archaeoraptor liaoningensis

["Ralph W. Miller III" <gbabcock@best.com>]

_Archaeoraptor liaoningensis_ may teach us important ethical and
scientific
lessons, and give rise to jokes, no doubt, but I see it mostly as a very
sad
situation.  I'm grateful that this sort of thing is doesn't happen more
often.
Some amount of skepticism is healthy, but when the public gets wind of
something
like this, it can hurt the reputation of science and the scientists
involved.
On the other hand, it goes to show that frauds do get exposed, and a
good deal
faster today than in the past!

Regarding the ability of anyone involved to sue for fraud, this could
entail
considerable risk.  Bear in mind that the fossil chimera in question was
illegally excavated in China and smuggled into this country.  Therefore
anyone
involved who comes forward seeking damages would be in danger of
prosecution for
theft, possession of stolen property, smuggling, and fraud.  I see the
little
fossil as a monument to man's shortcomings, much as the infamous
Piltdown Man.

One big difference here, of course, is that money changed hands,
providing
profits to the guilty parties.  The Czerkases and those who contributed
money to
help acquire the chimera were unwitting victims, and to them I extend my
sympathies, but I don't believe any of the parties involved in this
scenario
should file suit in a U.S. court of law unless they are first granted
immunity
from prosecution.  I am not a lawyer, so I am not in a position to offer
legal
advice here.  Just my opinion from the sidelines.  "Let the buyer
beware."

-- Ralph W. Miller III       gbabcock@best.com

Close enough, Toby?