Thanks for the colloquy. I don't think we resolved anything but it was an interesting discussion.

I've read these screeds and they have every right to feel as they do. I believe in free speech and I know having done this so long that it's impossible to make everyone happy.

That said, the person who initiated that thread insists he was thrown off SOWNY because he dared to delve into politics. I'm quite sure he knows the real reason he was turfed - because he broke the main rule about being abusive both to the moderator and other posters, repeatedly. In fact, I've received many DMs indicating I waited way too long. 

It wasn't the content of the posts. It was the content of the character who posted them. There are a zillion places to express his opinions. This just happens to no longer be one of them. I wish him well and I'm glad he found a forum that welcomes his contributions.