"Where is the "serious discussion" and thought?"
within the confines of "republican only" or "Bush only", serious discussion and thought does exist.
Step outside of those boundaries however, and you will be slammed on this forum. That has been my experience at least.
I've stepped way outside of your "boundaries" many times and have been (intelligently) asked for sources or reasons for my comments BUT NEVER SLAMMED. Could it be that you went into your DU mode and ticked a few people off?