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There is a difference between a political discussion, and political discourse. At no time are "only certain voices are permitted to speak".
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But maybe at times "only certain voices will be permitted to speak" if those who choose to be difficult continue to be difficult.
I don't know if this is possible or not, but instead of locking a thread that has good content because of a few who choose to be difficult, why not have the mods tell that person they are out of that thread, and do it for the benefit of the entire thread. Kinda like kicking someone out of a room where a discussion is taking place. And if they don't listen, ban them.
I wouldn't see this as censorship but rather as people learning to show not only more respect, but a more intelligent way to express their opinions. It doesn't matter if people disagree with one another but rather how they choose to disagree that is a problem at times.
Opinions are opinions no matter how staunchly supported by one side or the other. To have blinders on to all except oneself isn't condusive to the development of any discussion.
A wise man has big ears and a small mouth. Sometimes when the ears are open instead of the mouth, we learn something.