I don't get online much over the weekends so I seem to have missed all the fun in this thread, which may be a good thing
My thoughts...
Don't ban the topics, they serve their purpose and most of them don't end up getting closed. On the other hand the mods should feel free to shut one down as soon as it starts getting out of hand.
The biggest problem, at least the biggest problem I have, with some of the posts is that the ones that really get under my skin are the ones that are presented as statements of fact when they are really someones opinion. For example, saying "America's blatant lie and misdirection when they fabricated the original moon landing and filmed it in the New Mexican desert" is quite a bit more inflammatory than "I think the moon landings were faked". Things stated that way make it sound like the author is precluding any sort of argument or civil discussion and it is that closed mindedness that, I think, really sets people off.
Sure, it is ok to be an armchair politician, military expert, theologian or whatever is being discussed. But, as has been mentioned, don't come across as having the one and only opinion on a subject, you have to be prepared to listen to and accept others opinions on it as well, especially people who may have more knowledge of it. People that have served in the military, or others in different professions have an insight into them that others do not and discounting that opinion simply because they have that experience is disrespectful and shows a certain degree of intolerance. On the other hand, having that experience does not mean that yours is the one and only correct opinion either.
We should have discussions and try to persuade others, if you can't be open to other opinions and be willing to accept that you might be wrong then perhaps you should refrain the discussions.