Everybody has to make a buck or find someone else to pay their bills. I get it. But … when I read stories written by cretins asking if Lake Lanier is haunted or cursed, I mutter under my breath, “Get a real job and stop bothering people.”
This is America. You get to believe whatever you want to believe. Having lived in Marin County and worked in Berserkly, California, I’ve met lots of lunoids who believe some pretty wacky stuff. None of my business. I can always walk (or run) away without drinking their screwy Kool-Aid.
Everybody is a little bit weird. I have friends who “knock on wood” because it makes them feel better about warding off bad stuff that is probably going to happen anyway. As long as they can safely drive, earn a living, feed and dress themselves, and not be a danger to society, I don’t give a rip.
Same goes for absurd fears about black cats, broken mirrors and walking under ladders. Just because I think that stuff is idiotic, you get to believe whatever you want.
Quincy Jones’ Superstition Lyrics Sung by Stevie Wonder
When you believe in things that you don’t understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain’t the way
I draw the line, however, at lazy writers who publish stories about their superstitious beliefs that Lake Lanier is haunted or cursed. That’s just stupid.
People in our government are paid to come up with statistics about how many visitors come to Lake Lanier, but it’s only a guess. So, let’s say 12 million people play around Georgia’s greatest lake annually.
It’s a tragedy that one person in a million loses his or her life. A heartbreaking tragedy for them, their families and loved ones.
Could a few have been saved by wearing life preservers? Yes. Could a few have been spared if someone hadn’t been drinking? Yes. Could better boating practices or swimming lessons or the use of common sense have kept a few people over the years from losing their lives? Yes.
Did anyone die because Lake Lanier is haunted or cursed? Of course not. That’s simply the nonsense of writers who lack the creativity to write and publish material that earns readership through research and effort, not tawdry headlines.
If you have lost a loved one at Lake Lanier, I regret your loss. If you have been told that it was due to some evil force that lurks in or around the water, may you clear your mind and heart of such drivel. May your memories be of the better days.
When you visit Lake Lanier, wear a life preserver. Don’t dive in unknown waters after dark. Don’t swim beyond your abilities, just to keep up with someone else. Stay sober and smart, so that you and your children and grandchildren can return for ages to come — safely and happily. Please.
Well said!