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		#24 | 
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			Join Date: Dec 2004 
				
				
				
					Posts: 1,712
				 
				
				
				
				
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			Certainly A.G. it is a complex subject with many variables. I am sure it would be an interesting debate!  
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
	  The last time a huge tonnage of African ivory was released a few years ago with cities permission, elephant poaching roared astronomically, after all a receipt saying ivory was legal, could be used again & again , as after all there is no DNA taken to match the legal document to the ivory. I am sure De Beers, do many naughty things, many powerful international company's do.   Sadly that wont change. I guess the fact ivory & particularly rhino horn are a long way from an infinite supply, will have its effect as well. As you say without harsh punishment of consumers {& I would add poachers, particularly the wealthy organised ones with helicopters etc.. & the armed militia types. & not just some hungry bloke with an old .303 who makes an easy scapegoat.} the demand will remain. Interestingly, the countries that burn there ivory publicly in huge public piles, don't say where that ivory disappears to afterwards, when they show a photo of a pile of ashes. After all ivory may crack a bit but it doesn't burn on an open fire, that's just the logs in the pile & a splash of accelerant.... I would like the Elephant & rhino populations to recover from where they are today.... But I don't believe in destroying antiques. That wont help anyone or anything. Its vandalism. As for Trade bans in the west... I guess at least one can keep what ones already got.   Will any of it really work? probably not...   spiral  | 
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