Goodbye

[Zarathustra]

I don't want to be accused of "leaving in a huff," so I'd like to thoughtfully list my reasons for leaving the Watch for good.

Two days after getting the Covid vaccine, my blood pressure went to 200/110, I passed out, and had to be taken to the emergency room. I almost died. That was July 2021. Since then, my blood pressure has been out of control and my doctors can't figure out what is wrong with me, and no medicine seems to work. I live daily wondering if today will be the day my heart fails.

I've been having chest pains for the last few days, which I thought I'd had under control, and I think it's because of my participation on this site. I have been accused of "twisting facts" to make Wayfriend look bad merely because I suggested the possibility that he might disagree with content he has labeled "disinformation." I've been called Blatant Evil for saying how I didn't appreciate being called a racist. Jay has claimed he deleted the Tank due to our incivility, while he calls our opinions "shit."

Clearly, I'm not wanted here. This is no longer a welcoming place to people of all views. But more importantly, my body can no longer handle stress from these confrontations. I've tried to restart political discussions with painstaking care to assure that no one feels this kind of confrontation. I didn't just do it to appease others, I did it for my own health and sanity, too. The rule in place was my idea! And I've been hounded and maligned ever since in the general forum. 17 years ago, or even two years ago, I didn't have to worry about something like this killing me. I no longer have that luxury.

I've enjoyed my time here. I deeply respect so many of you, some of whom might be surprised if I named them. I regret never getting the chance to tell you in person. Take care! Be true.

[Wosbald]

+JMJ+

[SoulBiter]

You will be missed. The Watch is a lesser place when we lose someone that has added so much value over the years.

I hope that at some point your health will allow you to come post here and there without working up your stress levels.

I am still hopeful that the Current Events thread will stay out there and we get more people posting in that thread. Time will tell.

[Savor Dam]

As I said when you reappeared after the post-Tank hiatus, I was glad you decided to return. The same goes for the others who have resumed participation in discussions. Obviously, our views differ, but somehow we manage those differences without the mutual tail-twisting that happens in other interactions...and was happening before I joined 14 years ago yesterday.

Sorry to see you depart again so soon, but do what you need to do to be well. Like Wos, I will channel Tom Bodett in anticipating your potential reappearance.

[High Lord Tolkien]

Yeah, Z, it sounds like leaving is the best thing for you.
Nothing, especially talking politics on an online forum, is worth risking your health.

I'll miss you though.
I enjoyed your Donaldson posts.
"Lord Foul with a sledgehammer" is my all time favorite.

Take care of yourself.

[aTOMiC]

Wow. I'm so sorry to hear about your health, Z.
We don't know each other very well and that's my fault. I haven't engaged with many members of the Watch the way I should have and I regret that.

I'm sorry you have to leave but if it's for your well being I understand.

I wish you all the best.

[Skyweir]

Oh I’m so sorry to read you’ve been so unwell for so long.

I’m glad you are choosing to prioritise your health over stress.

Take care Zarathustra ~ speedy recovery. May you outlive us all ♥�

[StevieG]

Goodbye Z. I have particularly enjoyed a lot of your Close posts. All the best - hope the health improves with lower stress.

[samrw3]

Best of luck and health. You will be missed. I have enjoyed numerous of your posts and it is sad to see you go. Best of fortune and hoping they figure out how to handle your health better.

[Avatar]

Ah hell, sorry to hear it Z. Hope you get the health issues resolved, and as always of course, we'll be here if you're ever able to come back. Everything of the best.

--A