If it makes you feel good, you can attribute my absence to that; what do I care?
Fact is, I checked in several times while gone and there was absolutely nothing interesting being posted in here. This midterm election was interesting, Michael Brown's shooting is, as well.
Unfortunately, I'm finding the same ankle-biters are still trolling the waters here and that, if any thing, there are fewer reasonable people with which to share opinions than before. So, I doubt I'll stick around much longer. Yes, you and Chump and Boutons, et. al. can claim to win the internet again. It seems to be all you have and I wouldn't want to deprive you of that source of pride.