People are becoming visibly worn down by the continuous propaganda from the White House
They are tired and easily divided.
We see it here on DU as well.
Some are probably inclined to quit, to drop out, and to say to hell with it? If the Democratic Underground is not a safe harbor, then where do you go?
Some issues are divisive. That is why, almost from the beginning, that the Administrators prohibited discussion of the Israeli/Palestinian issue in General Discussion. It was divisive. There was a place for it but it was not appropriate in the General Discussion Group. That was the decision of the Admins.
There is a simple solution to avoid divisive discussions. Do not engage in them. We have the right to talk about what we want but we don"t have the right to make everyone listen or to join in the discussion.
Exercise your right to use the "ignore" button if you feel someone is being divisive.
Just my two cents.
= new reply since forum marked as read
As said, DU can be a place where people keep informed and keep their spirits up.
With some very heavy editing.
Some posts are obvious invitations to ongoing brawls, but no one's dragged in.
There's a whole genre of we-go-low threads that can be passed on by without missing a thing.
And, of course, the eternal OD of Republican demonizing, gnashing and bashing, but again easily edited out of one's life.
Or not. We can all choose the doses and societies that appeal. I once had over 300 people on ignore, creating in effect a whole different forum, more like the kind of civilized private forum I've never been invited to join. 
