I’ve been there on that forum and off since 2005 and have met some of those folks in person. Absent that “discussion”, we tend to stick to talk about new construction or historic preservation in our downtown (issues I’m interested in).
It is interesting to watch the reactions, though, when you see these social issues discussed. Note that it wasn’t one of “I disagree”, but one of visceral villification and that all of my “offending speech” should be summarily silenced. They gasp in indignation when I call that fascistic, but it is precisely what it is. The left abhors free speech, it’s why they champion PC (a Stalinist invention).
It is why I believe that before long, another civil war is almost inevitable. The disconnect and polarization of two competing values systems, one of right and one of wrong, cannot be reconciled in any other way.
I know exactly what you mean, and conversation among ‘friends’ whether online or in person, I avoid politics like a plague (being I only know in person of 1 Conservative here... not counting the FReepers here, of course).
Can’t have a decent conversation about politics with the libtards (American or otherwise).