Hobby Lobby smuggles thousands of Iraqi artifacts

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the allegations against Hobby Lobby regarding the smuggling of thousands of ancient Iraqi artifacts, including cuneiform tablets and clay bullae. Participants explore the implications of these allegations, the credibility of the sources, and the potential motivations behind the actions of Hobby Lobby and other involved parties.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express disbelief that Hobby Lobby would attempt to smuggle thousands of artifacts without expecting scrutiny, labeling the situation as shameful.
  • Concerns are raised about the credibility of the allegations, with some participants suggesting that Hobby Lobby has powerful adversaries and calling for serious fact-checking.
  • One participant notes that the nature of legal agreements may prevent Hobby Lobby from challenging the government's claims, leading to uncertainty about the extent of their involvement.
  • Several comments reflect on personal feelings about shopping at Hobby Lobby in light of the allegations, indicating a shift in perception among some customers.
  • Humorous remarks are made about the potential for restoring ancient Sumerian objects, suggesting a light-hearted take on the serious topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, with some expressing skepticism about the allegations while others acknowledge that Hobby Lobby likely engaged in questionable activities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of Hobby Lobby's involvement and the motivations behind the actions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the legal and ethical implications of the allegations, with some participants emphasizing the lack of clarity about Hobby Lobby's intentions and the influence of external factors.

Greg Bernhardt
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Pretty astounding they didn't think they'd get caught. I mean, maybe dozens, even hundreds, but thousands? Of course someone is going to look into that! How shameful!

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/p...it-thousands-ancient-iraqi-artifacts-imported

Earlier today, the United States filed a civil complaint to forfeit thousands of cuneiform tablets and clay bullae. As alleged in the complaint, these ancient clay artifacts originated in the area of modern-day Iraq and were smuggled into the United States through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel, contrary to federal law. Packages containing the artifacts were shipped to Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (“Hobby Lobby”), a nationwide arts-and-crafts retailer based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and two of Hobby Lobby’s corporate affiliates. The shipping labels on these packages falsely described cuneiform tablets as tile “samples.”
 
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Sounds phony to me - considering that Hobby Lobby has powerful enemies. Needs some very serious fact-checking.
 
Marie Fecher said:
Sounds phony to me - considering that Hobby Lobby has powerful enemies. Needs some very serious fact-checking.
The source is the US Department of Justice website. Not Daily Mail.
 
They definitely did something. Exactly what isn't so clear, because as one of the conditions of the agreement usually one is not allowed to challenge the government's version of events. I think it's clear that they were dealing with some shifty characters, but what parts of this were Hobby Lobby's idea and what parts of this were these shifty characters' probably will never be known.
 
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I occasionally go to a Hobby Lobby store to pick up something needed for a restore project. From now on, should I go, this will enter my mind. :oldcry:
 
If you need to restore ancient Sumerian objects, you should be golden!
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
If you need to restore ancient Sumerian objects, you should be golden!
:doh: :oldlaugh:
 
Vanadium 50 said:
If you need to restore ancient Sumerian objects, you should be golden!
I predict this will calve off shortly.