I've been sitting here shaking my head for the last few days while reading about the incidents in Havasu. Geez, thinking about all the times I've been dragged through the mud for speaking against the "anything goes" attitude on the river makes me sick. Where was everyone months and years ago when I tried to say this was what would happen? I'll tell you where you were, you were behind the computer calling me "Holy Roller" or saying I'm a prude. I didn't speak out against public nudity and sex shows because I'm a prude. I did so because I know what kind of people that stuff attracts. I never criticized people driving irresponsibly because I don't like fast boats. I did it because I knew one day people would die.
All I have to say is that in "Holy Roller's" Havasu, little kids wouldn't get beat up, drunk Aholes in fast boats wouldn't run over people, and nobody would suffocate and drown in the channel. EVERYONE has to take a stand against bad behavior, or the government will do it for you. And when they do, you don't get to choose where they draw the line. They might shut down the gorge, Channel and all the coves one day if things don't change.
Maybe it's time individuals stopped thinking about their own selfish motives and behaved in a way that benefits the entire (boating) community. Lead by example. Peer pressure is a powerful motivator in a public setting. One person cannot stop another person from acting like an idiot, but a group of people can. I hope everyone going out there this weekend has the past week's events fresh in their mind and does one little thing to turn the tide. Even if it's driving 10mph slower in the gorge or turning your stereo down a bit when next to a family, it's a start. SummerLove said it best:"We all just need to get along". I guess that's all I have to say.