I guess you missed the recall threads. :-)
It was never like this; neither are the immigration threads.
Do you remember the one in the middle of the night from the Recall? I had several of the guys tell me to quit posting so I didn't get banned. I was in all of those and you know what -- the last few weeks were nastier. Maybe it is because we all knew each other for the most part.
Never saw so many vanities in my life!
BTW, to keep it honest, I wasn't on those recall threads very often; I *try* to make it a habit not to put my nose in other state's business, as I don't want others repaying the "favor," if you get my drift. :-)