When I first started on this forum there was a lot of real discussion and debate of issues. You could come here and have intelligent conversation about current events. Those who disagreed could do so without name calling and hate. A few nights ago I went back into the archives looking for something and it was as if I was reading in a totally different forum. Politics was active and very much heated at times, but with a different tone. It was a sad reminder for me of what this place has now become.
Of course there have always been trolls. That is just part of the internet experience I guess. However, today, it is nearly impossible to have a real discussion without personal attacks. Many of the old posters who made this place interesting and a place for good conversation have abandoned it and move on elsewhere. The problem with staying here and trying to continue on is that I myself have now gotten down in the mud more than I ever should. Its like the saying goes, lie with dogs, you get up with fleas. I am ashamed I let myself stay this long and join in on the hate and anger.
I don't block. Never have and never will. If I blocked every offensive person on this forum I would only see the post of about 5 people. I have decided to go back into read only mode for a while.