I thought this as good a place as any to post what I intend to be my final post on these boards. I thank everyone associated with these boards for providing and contributing to this community. These boards meant a lot to me over the years. They allowed me to express and think through many of my views, exposed me to persons situated and thinking differently than most I meet IRL, and helped me examine and change my opinions on several matters large and small. For that, I thank you. For a combination of reasons, I have just decided that this is not where I desire to spend my time going forward.
This is not intended as criticism of the boards, any moderation, or any poster(s). While a couple of recent threads likely helped me reach this decision, this is not in response to an specific occurrence. This simply reflects what I have decided is best for me. Given the stressors I perceive in modern US society, and my planning for retirement next year, I have been deciding where I most wish to spend my time and expend my efforts. Given my personal experience - such as with cigarettes and alcohol in the past, I have decided that it is easier for me to quit these boards altogether, rather than attempt to moderate my activity.
I certainly do not wish this to turn into any extended departure discussion. I just thought that after more than 2 decades of somewhat active posting you all deserved the respect of a goodbye, rather than a silent disappearance.
I truly wish everyone associated with these boards the happiest and most fulfilling lives possible, and I hope these boards thrive for another several decades.