Honestly.I think no matter how constructive some of it was the deletion of the State of the World thread really lifted a dark cloud that was hovering over the forum. Personally, I think we as a group should not try and tackle deep controversial subjects like politics and religion. Simply because we have so many people with so many different beliefs and lifestyles that no matter how careful we are we are going to offend or upset someone.
Politics truly being out the worst in people, especially when you have people who don't understand the difference between a debate and an argument. Hopefully with it gone things will improve. If people really feel the need to talk politics, that's what PMs are for.