[Travis McGee]

I guess that means "Aztlan" has to go back to Spain, eh? What about the "Spanish Land Grants" in the Southwest?

This ruling is asinine. To start with, the Spanish were transporting STOLEN PROPERTY, so if it should "go back" to anybody, it sure shouldn't be the thieves!

By the same logic, we would have to untangle every disputed property case going back to Cro-Magnon's taking the caves from Neandertals.

This ruling is nothing more than a "government protection racket," putting the found treasure into government coffers, and keeping it away from private hands.

And without those private hands, the Spanish govt would not benefit by even one single piece of eight.

The Spanish stole the gold centuries ago, and they are stealing it again today.

And that's a pretty good record for "legal theft!"

[stephenjohnbanker]

“This ruling is nothing more than a “government protection racket,” putting the found treasure into government coffers, and keeping it away from private hands.”

Yep. It also sounds a great deal like the Obama administration here.