And or should it. But just because someone disagrees with an opinion doesn't give them the right to shut it down (as long as it isn't inciting violence). There are a lot of groups whose members pile on people who disagree with them, often very abusively and violently (which is what I think kwi was getting at) and an awful lot of them get away with it.Freedom of speech doesn't necessarily mean freedom of social consequence. ?
Some topics are divisive, but there are very few which should be off limits for opinions - though sometimes if people want to (fervently)discuss X, they shouldn't do it on a thread about Y.
Personally I don't mind a thread which meanders - they are often very entertaining and bring great enjoyment to all participants, as long as we are respectful of each other.