Magna Carta Coming to the U.S.-- Part 2

Apparently, the Magna Carta is still on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.. The copy of the Magna Carta in the United States is written on parchment and has been stripped of previous repairs and treated with new techniques to insure its survival. It is now kept in an air-tight, sealed case.

This copy also had previously been on display while on loan to the National Archives, but had been put up for sale in December 2007. Billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein bought it, one of only 17 existing copies of the Magna Carta, for $21.3 million at auction and gave it back to the country.  He also donated $13.5 million for the document's new showroom, multi-media kiosk and new exhibit gallery.

The Magna Carta was very influential in the thinking of American founding fathers and inspired provisions in the Constitution.

Thanks, Mr. Rubenstein. --DaCoot

Magna Carta Coming to the United States (2012)-- Part 1

From Feb. 3, 2012, AP.

A copy of England's Magna Carta, a manuscript setting out the rights of man (well, the rights of the aristocracy) is set to be displayed in Washington, DC at the United Staes National Archives starting February 17th after years of restoration work. (I saw a copy in England that was so faded, it was pretty much unreadable).

The English barons forced King John to sign it in 1215 and it was confirmed by English Law in 1297. The copy being displayed in Washington is one of four copies made in 1297 and bearing the seal of King Edward I in 1297.

Two are in Britain and one in Australia.

The Base of Our Democracy

--Cooter

Copy of the Magna Carta Sold for $21 Million

One of the several still-existing copies of the Magna Carta, the document that laid the basis for democracy as we know it today, was sold last month at auction for $21.3 million. It was bought by David Rubenstein of the Carlyle Group, a private equity fund.

I don't know, but the words private equity fund always translates to me to be "We're gonna screw anyone we can to make as much money as possible."

I Worry About These Guys. --The Old Coot