This note came to me instead of the list. It is from Irv, not me.
Anita Cohen-Williams; Reference Services; Hayden Library
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1006
PHONE: (602) 965-4579 FAX: (602) 965-9169
INTERNET: [log in to unmask] Owner: HISTARCH
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From: "Irwin Rovner" <[log in to unmask]>
To: Anita Cohen-Williams <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 14:43:13 EST
Subject: Re: New discussion(SOPA)
Priority: normal
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Hoping this message goes out to the list, if not, please forward.
The threat of SAA/SOPA merger has initiated a justified and healthy
discussion. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation and
misunderstanding about SOPA being transmitted. For example, SOPA
membership and certification is NOT an absolute prerequisite to
practicing professional archaeology in the USA. Many qualified,
competent, practicing physicians choose not be belong to the AMA.
SOPA has no real authority to "punish" or "prohibit" anyone who is
"incompetent" beyond taking internal action against someone already a
member to suspend that membership. SOPA has no formal authority to
prohibit or control or inhibit the actions of anyone not a member or
any member who wishes to abuse the system. SOPA can and does
petition and/or lobby agencies (e.g. governments) to adhere to
legislation, executive orders, judicial precedent, etc. in their
dealing with matters archaeological. SOPA's power does not extend
beyond persuasion in these instances. The problem is that many
discussants are confusing SOPA certification - which is advisory only
- with SOPA standards. While hardly perfect, these standards are
offered as a guide for professional archaeological activity - whether
by a SOPA member or non-member - and by agencies, government and
private - who contract for archaeological services. SOPA member
and certification are NOT required, but adherence to professional
standards should be. That fact that were often observe or
perceive that they are not is not a reason for condemning SOPA,
refusing to join SOPA, or suggesting the SOPA standards are
meaningless.
ARE YOU AWARE THAT THE SOPA BOARD HAS A FORMAL PROPOSAL UNDER
CONSIDERATION TO ELIMINATE THE CERTIFICATION CATEGORIES? Membership
itself, demanding adherence to SOPA standards, is putatively
sufficient - and prior training, experience and performanace of each
individual - rather than a SOPA review panel - should determine
competency in a specialty area. Any thoughts on this? Share them,
I'm listening.
The suggested SAA/SOPA merger proposal comes as quite a surprise to
me. As an Old Fart who attended the SAA meetings when the SOPA
proposal was first discussed, I remember the many compelling
arguments as to why SAA should/must keep hands off and a separate
organization dedicated to the national needs of the USA (!) should be
formed. It seems to me that the proponents of merger have not
considered that SAA is devoted to American archaeology, SOPA is
devlote to USA archaeology and that "USA" is NOT synonymous with
"American". The compelling arguments of many years ago are still
valid today - and are not addressed properly - or at all - in the
various committee documents and reports I have received so far. As
one example - Is SAA prepared to establish an individual office,
bureacracy, lobbying effort, etc. for Canada, Mexico, Peru,
Paraguay, Jamaica, Trinidad-Tabago and every other sovereign nation
concerned with its patrimony in this hemisphere? Clearly SOPA
shouldn't and won't. Is SAA prepared to do this for the USA alone or
only a few select nations and screw the rest? I don't think so.
To be honest, I am not inclined (i.e. strongly disinclined) to
support merger - but I am trying to keep an open mind to arguments on
both sides. At the risk of saturating my computer, I encourage
discussion from everyone - for and against - either through HISTARCH
or to me directly if that is preferred. The SOPA Board is holding a
special meeting in Dallas, Dec 16 and 17. Get you comments to me in
time and I promise to read and consider all comments carefully.
Irwin Rovner
SAS Representative, SOPA Board of Directors
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FAX: 919-515-2610
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