Wow, just when I get really down you guys pick me up. I appreciate all the supportive messages posted in this thread and the private messages and emails I've received. Several of you offered to help with the site and a bunch of unexpected and generous donations came in today. Thank you!
Since I wrote the original message I've been on the boat all day (gorgeous, spectacular day on the water). I spend much of the time thinking about the Lake and the Forum and wondered what the reaction to my post would be. I thought about why otherwise rational and civilized people go so crazy here. The only explanation I could think of is that the anonymity of the Internet allows people to say things they would never say face to face. I remember noticing that at the last ForumFest people who were staunch adversaries in these debates laughed and talked politely with each other. If we could somehow retain that civility here there would be no need to close this section of the site.
Thanks again for all the replies and support. I feel much better now
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