But...think back in time because I know you were there - did it seem to you that we talked about a lot of things from all sides of the political spectrum? - and yes there were some heated times - but there were also hilarious times and all still managed to have a certain amount of 'caring' toward other posters. Or at least an acknowledgement that there were actual human beings behind monikers. And I am going to say right now - personal insults are ridiculous - insult a board persona if you must - but most of the behavior exhibited on these boards ARE NOT indicative of how that human being behaves in real life so insults SHOULD BE an exercise in futility and laughed at as opposed to triggering extreme anger.

Something happened in the last decade or a bit more that has caused so much hate and has cancelled out humor. At least that is my opinion - but I took a lengthy sabbatical away from the boards so maybe it just easy for me to point at because I wasn't here to observe the erosion.

Anyway - I agree with your assessment and will share hopeful optimism with you for the future.