Hehe... Cloudy double-posted.
Anywho, I agree with Cerek and others' assertion that in previous times we were able to discuss matters such as religion and gun control in a more respectful manner. In fact, I inadvertantly broke the religious discussion taboo with a thread that ultimately resulted in it being acceptable again -- only to have the privilege revoked a few months later due to flaming, etc.
I do not deny my own culpability on this issue. I certainly have contributed flaming/insulting remarks as time has gone on. In fact, Larry called me to the carpet just a day or two ago for being insulting in a thread that is likely still active.
I am guilty, I admit. However, we are the same group of people that have been discussing the issue for a long while. We have been respectful of each others' views, but that respect turned to anger or stonewalled disagreement over time because neither side could convince the other of their view. As a result, flames started ocurring. Maybe some of us, like me, are just done with trying to educate this particular group of people, and are basically ready to move on to another site or forum. Dunno. Time will tell.