I can’t imagine ever feeling so self-important that I would divert a river used by the public to serve my own ends. This might be the most “I’m the main character” thing I’ve ever seen.
While I am an admitted megalomaniac, I do agree with your sentiment. Then again, "never say never." Apparently, Mr Howard's…ahem…diversion was quite popular with the other boaters/fishermen. Unless he was truly causing an ecological disaster (quite possible), his actions weren't completely senseless or self-serving. Corporations that dump industrial waste every day into our waterways likely do more damage than Mr Howard has.
Nevertheless, instead of taking the proper (and bureaucratic) route he did take the law into his own hands. That's the part I can't defend.
Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam in braccas mea vide
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