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Posted By: Jim Hoffman

This isn't the same as selling a piece of Jackie Kennedy's estate. Those items weren't associated with her death. The Clemente wreckage is unique in that it is a tangible piece of material that is tied directly with his death. I'm not at all opposed to selling Clemente's autographs or game used equipment or even mementos from his life, but this plane wreckage is completely different.

The fact that he died prematurely, and on a heroic, humanitarian mission makes these auction lots completely sacred, and they should never be sold.

I can't even imagine anything else that could compare to the wrongness of this sale. Even those who sold WTC photos and books, etc. after 9/11, those people weren't selling actual wreckage or office equipment, etc.

I suspect the person who brought up Dale Earnhardt's steering wheel probably came the closest in describing the absurdity of the sale.

Maybe it might compare to slavery leg-irons or pieces from Nazi concentration camps.

Several months ago I noticed an auction with at least one lot of artwork from John Wayne Gacy, the Chicago mass-murderer. I don't remember the auction house, but that lot also left me aghast.

Those who trade in this ghoulishness are nothing short of grave robbers, and deserve their names and reputations to be dragged through the mud.

Just like the despicable Joshua Evans.