I think the double standard might actually lie with the forum members themselves, which then forces moderation to respond accordingly.
In general, discussions about world politics, or the politics of individual nations, tend to stay reasonably respectful and mature. But as soon as two-dimensional American politics enters the mix, all hell often breaks loose.
This forum made itself clear well before I joined: no American politics. Unfortunately, due to the US's influence on global affairs, its politics inevitably spill into broader world discussions from time to time. That’s when political discussions here run the risk of turning childishly nasty.
We, as members, then put a moderator in a tough spot. Either clean up a cascade of posts without breaking the thread’s flow (no small task), close it, or delete the whole thing because it can’t be tidied up without losing the flow. It’s probably so time-consuming and fiddly at times that removing a thread becomes the only realistic option.
But hey, it doesn't matter in the minds of some because it is always someone else's fault, regardless of where we stand. What is required a bit of collective maturity, something that can be in short supply when emotions run high.
) that there may be a few members who get a kick out of "naming names" just to watch the havoc and aftermath. At our ages, I hope I'm wrong, but it seems to be an overwhelming compulsion for a small handful to do just that.
