A four-page letter written by George Washington was recently sold for $3.2 million dollars. Upon reading, I wondered why and what kind of (most likely, awesome) person would want the letter so bad. All I could picture was Nicolas Cage in National Treasure over and over again. I mean, it was an unidentified buyer, and I figured a museum would be open to announce this new purchase. We'll stick with it. So, what is the motivation behind this wealthy Mr. Cage?
In it, George Washington wrote (apparently with slanted penmanship) that he was in full approval of the Constitution, drafted in 1787. To the public, he remained neutral, but he felt that a stronger, central government was needed, and displayed his strong opinion in this letter.
Was it perhaps the fact that there are some pretty juicy secrets revealed? Should the British descendant of our Founding Father be auctioning it away to someone who could choose to do anything with it? Should it be stowed away, on display for those who pay for an admission ticket?
I definetly think this interesting and revealing piece of history should go in a museum so many can appreciate and learn about this letter, as opposed to some treasure hunter's trophy room. But obviously the letter is going to go to the highest bidder, and 3.2 million is a hefty sum. Another solution would be giving it to the government, to put in the library of congress, as it is something that should be kept forever.
ReplyDeleteThis is no doubt an important part of history. Unfortunately, keeping something like this in a museum may be unsafe. Camera flashes and constant visitors may fade the text. I think that it should be kept for historians to look at.
ReplyDeleteThis brings me to an important paradox: there are lots of very important pieces of history that are too fragile to show to the public, but too important to keep a secret. What, then, are we supposed to do with them.
I am a big fan of cars, and cars often see the same problem. Enzo Ferrari's (the man who started Ferrari Cars) private ferrari 250 California Spider was recently auctioned for a record 12 or 13 million dollars. It doesn't make sense to drive a car that costs more than most people will make in their lives on a regular basis. At the same time, doesn't it do a beautiful car like that injustice to keep it stowed away in a garage somewhere where it will never be seen?