In case you do make it back here, I now realize who I'm talking to and how thin of ice I'm likely treading on. This changes my opinion in no way, instead I'll make one last statement on this particular matter: I assert that the level of discourse on political related matters on HN has taken a significant turn for the worse, most likely corresponding to the most recent election. While this probably shouldn't be surprising, HN's are people after all, where I think (not guarantee, but think) criticism is valid is that there is widespread abuse of the guidelines noted above, widespread abuse of the truth, and a double standard of claims of "appropriate behavior".

I would imagine your instinctual reaction is to disagree, I'm sure mine would be as well, but then ask yourself this: is it possible I have a point? We know this phenomenon is happening on other forums, are HN'ers really all that special, are we immune to the shortcomings the rest of humanity suffers from?