Final Statements

[sunset on the dock]

As I've said on this forum before, the SL isn't just about safety...it's about preserving people's right to a peaceful and pleasant recreation on Lake Winnipesaukee. Many on the forum have lamented a perceived loss of their rights to "live free or die". I until recently lamented a steady erosion of my freedom to use the lake in a manner that I used to take for granted. The SL was like a dream come true for my family. As I said yesterday, last summer, despite the presence of many GFBL's, there were NO boats tearing through the channel at high speeds at 11 at night. This to me was a barometer as to how the SL was working and it can't be blamed on the weather or economy. The weather was fine the latter half of the summer and the GFBL's were there. The GFBL's even behaved better during the day as well. I can't imagine people giving up this hard fought law. Better enforcement of present laws is not enough; reasonable and prudent...way too vague and subject to interpretation.
There have been a couple of SL opponents that I have enjoyed debating with who are genuinely sincere and respectful of other people...and it's easy to see how much their boats mean to them. It made me wistfully think...gee, too bad there isn't a way to grandfather these couple of people from the new SL. However, I just took 2 aspirin and am hoping this feeling goes away in a few hours.
2010 will be an interesting year. It's odd and ironic that the high profile trial of a prominent SL opponent will coincide with the upcoming SL legislative process. I suspect that some of the testimony will open a window and provide new insights as to why this law is so necessary.
This forum has been a great place to stay abreast of happenings regarding the SL. I would hope that as the 2010 legislative debate unfolds that Don will allow links to the apppropriate media coverage (and I mean links only, no commentary).