I've popped in a few times over the last couple of years to see what's happening. Terribly saddened by the passing of Eri and now Fox (thanks to Jody for letting me know about Eri.)

But I was certainly encouraged to find that both you and Mary Anne have resumed posting! With the two of you, along with Robert, ER, Lindy, et al providing balance to our more conservative friends, I sense that the liberal heart and mind is well represented.

Probably the biggest single reason for my departure was that the 'Zone made me angry, and then I'd deal with people here in a manner that I knew was obnoxious. But it looks to me like maybe the 'Zone's a little calmer (not to imply for a second that's it's not still a full-contact arena). Perhaps that, coupled with advancing age (I'm a year older every 12 months!), will inspire me to play a civil game.