4th January 2008, 04:22 PM
This thread appears to have highlighted the diversity among the archaeological profession. It is a good debate to have with regard to how the historic environment contributes to identity and a sense of place, as we rationalise our argument for conserving and enhancing the past. There is also the distinction between making money and the right to earn a living. If you want to make money, then you have that right, but I also have the right to express the opinion that I find it morally wrong to try and make money out of any conservation based profession. The right to earn a living and stable employment .... that is entirely different and a fundamental right for all. I think all archaeologists are in theory contributing to conserving and enhancing the historic environment, whoever they work for. It's all about backing up our fundamentally held beliefs that the historic environment is worth looking after, in the short and long term.