There seems to have been quite a few rumours about TM’s absence, some of them ridiculous – forced out because of dislike or criticism from other members or because of the “popularity pole”; others pretty close to the truth as bkkmadness remarked:

I think as much as I like the guy it has to be said after his suspension he did spit his dummy and leave by his own accord, but that’s his business.

The long and the short of the matter is this:

Two members with authority began hounding me, accusing me of being a Troll. I defended myself publicly through TF (and spat back, it’s true); they took umbrage and one of them issued a Fatwa; I told him where he could stick his Fatwa and went walking the dog for 4 months; I presented my case to the authorities yesterday and have had my full rights restored. The person who issued the Fatwa is now a banned member for reasons explained elsewhere.

Draw your own conclusions.

The matter is closed.

Forget those past 'situations', Thomas.

Good to see you back.

Who cares? Why bother?

Now, Tell us something about Hamas and what shakes.

Great to have you back Thomas!

Is this the real Thomas Merton? The posting was very brief and informative, completely out of character Welcome back.

TM, the Bedlam Attention Whore is back

Good, without The Moog here, and you gone, the place was completely dead.

Bedlam wasn't Bedlam without you

TM, the Bedlam Attention Whore is back

Good, without The Moog here, and you gone, the place was completely dead.

Bedlam wasn't Bedlam without you

"TM was fun to read but only SOMETIMES" whispered an insect."