I am like Adam and others, I surf "New Posts" and if it is interesting and I can contribute, I do. I don't partcipate that much in politics ( or religion), from years and years of experience, I have learned that various people have adamant, passioned opinions and they defend them to the death of your friendship with them. I know I have friends on Audioholics that have diametrically opposed views on politics. I prefer to deal mainly with electronics, audio and video issues. Sometimes I can even get agreement
Therefore, the steam vent could post "political" threads and those of political persuasion could partipate. Participation in any thread is not mandatory. If you don't like a thread don't participate.
And I agree with Adam, have a Steam Vent keeps the forum alive as just pure technology can not.
PEACE,
NJ