Is this what this place has come to now?

[Outsider]

There are several people on here that when others disagree with them especially about the government they just go loopy and tend to put the other person down as nastily as they can. 
I thought this place was for having intelligent discussion and not tit for tat put downs, we have a lot of new members on here now and it seems as though the old hands are doing there best to make them unwelcome by insulting them instead of having a discussion and if this continues they just may bugger off to the other message board, Im disgusted at some of the remarks made on here by the old hands and I would love to say my piece but then that would make me as bad as they are, so come on TMMB get your shit together.

I know what you mean but my experience of the 'other message board' is worse and I no longer visit it. I don't write many messages on this one either as have had depressing experiences, I just come in and look at a couple of messages just in case there is anything interesting.
But that has always happened - on Trademe I didn't fit in either but didn't care as it's good to be unique and I know my thoughts are different to most people.

At my time of life (75) I have just kept all my smartest and nicest friends in real life. Sadly becoming fewer as they die off and move away from Auckland.
I wish you all the best Oldfellah and enjoy your posts - keep it up.