Editor, Gazette-Journal:
Mathews County has an extensive shoreline, much of it is fragile. State law requires motorized vessels to navigate at minimal speed within 50 feet of a pier, launching ramp, etc., whether or not “No Wake” buoys and signs are posted. Lower speed protects public safety and reduces erosion. Everyone who operates a motorboat knows that. Yesterday I left a note for boaters, asking them to navigate more slowly in a small creek. My note included “please” and “thank you” and I added my name and phone number. The response was two angry and obscene voicemails.
This opinion letter isn’t really about shoreline erosion, it’s about the erosion of civility. This isn’t about ignorance of the law, it’s about responsible citizenship. We are struggling in a time of instant outrage, defensiveness, and assumed entitlement. The voicemail message vowed to continue as they pleased until someone stopped them. That’s the attitude and response that leads to over-regulation and intrusive ...