It is bitter sweet. I will miss it. But, I am one of many who grew very weary of every thread deteriorating into the same ole same ole name calling and whining and just bad form. Very tiring, boring, unnecessary - but that is just my personal opinion and it took me a very long time to feel that way (many good friends reached that point long ago). It seems to have served a good purpose but it has played itself out. It has gone on for so long because many still enjoy it but the negative tone spills out into the whole community - and that isn't cool. I can tell you that the debate and decision making among the moderators on this issue has been going on for quite some time - no one wanted to make any quick decisions. It was a hard issue. It was hard for moderators to let the Political Forum go. I know it will be hard for others as well.
This forum started as a way to share information, answer questions, form friendships and make a difference in the real community of SoWal. That is still its purpose. The Current Events/Political Forum was added later on - and I believe did serve a good purpose for a long while. I'll miss it. and I'll miss thanking people for helping provide answers to people seeking information. I'll also miss repping people who I want to send a more personal note of thanks for all they do for the online community. Perhaps these items have been misused to give digs to others, or to award bad behavior. Perhaps we should learn to say thank you in our own words in a post, and to send a PM when we want to really acknowledge someone for being so wonderful.