Rules need to be applied evenly and if broad brushes against anarchists were to result in moderation, I think Grape would have to shut down the board for all the moderation required for broad brushes against "statists" (which is to say anyone who believes in slightly more government than libertarians or anarchists seem to think proper), social conservatives, those who might have the slightest concern with OCing of long guns, those who actually think deadly force in defense of property is morally troubling, or anyone else who offers any difference of opinion from what a few folks have determined is the one true path.
Some folks need to stop acting as if every minor disagreement, or different point of view, or even someone playing devil's advocate is a personal affront to their honor and good name. A little less name calling and a little more effort to either ignore viewpoints you don't like, or to see if there is something worth considering, would help a lot.
I've been honored to be a member of this forum for over 8 years. I've seen the ebbs and flow. And right now, things are at a low point in terms of civility and useful discourse. It isn't the first time I've seen it. I hope we can correct the tone and tenor soon.
If what we are posting is making it more difficult to work together (either in person, or even electronically) to promote, protect, and advance RKBA, then our postings are counterproductive. (And I admit some guilt on this front as of late.) There are a lot of general discussion boards that can be used for recreation, even for having a nice online fight when that is desired.
GOUtah! (Gun Owners of Utah!) has been very successful the last 15 years in building and maintaining coalitions of gun owners who successfully advance our RKBA because we have stridently stuck to the principle that we are single issue: we care about RKBA. We don't care where anyone stands on immigration, taxes, family/parental rights, drugs, UFOs, or any other issue as long as we can mostly agree on RKBA and work civilly together on that. Among our principals we have a conservative, a libertarian, and a traditional liberal. Our membership spans a wider spectrum than that. It is a very successful strategy that has worked very well to advance RKBA here in Utah.
I apologize for the extent to which I've allowed personality conflicts to cause me to be less than civil in some interactions here. It is my sincere desire to work together to advance RKBA in the vast areas where there is agreement. In the small areas of RKBA where there may be disagreement, I seek to be respectful and civil. I am imperfect. But I am trying.
I enjoy a good conversation or informal debate as much as the next guy. Heaven knows I can hold my own in how many words I type. And wholesome recreation among those who have some shared interests and views is a good thing. I hope we can be a little slower to damage the ability to work together.
Charles