I have been minorly involved in a few of these discussions on other boards where Neil and others butt heads.
I have to say that sometimes the level of political debate is ridiculously offensive and ill-informed. Personal attacks and constant repetition of half-truths
span many threads.
My opinion on this, sadly, is that it reflects the current level of debate within the US itself on a general level. Aggressively split 50/50 which makes proper debate impossible.
However I can assure you all that it is not limited to Aikido boards