Then it should have been stated up front and should have been called a Memorial Thread.
We have had other threads for tragic events and no one thought we should stop making rather catty remarks about various people involved in the tragic event.
My suggestions would be in the future to have two threads, if that's okay with Jim. One thread would be for non-catty remarks - no negative remarks allowed at all. The other thread we will be free to speak about what we see and hear. It's obviously the only way to satisfy everyone.
I must say I have spent more time passing by threads where people are complaining (including mine) abuot what this thread is about that by the actual catty remarks themselves.
One question of decorum, please. On the Memorial Thread do we have to change our taglines to conform to the seriousness of the occasion? someone really needs to come up with a Serious Only Thread plan.