Dear Dnvr,
1) We formulate a carefully-considered rule (say, one reserving P & R for, well, P & R- related comments)
2) Members think "Meh, this doesn't apply to ME"
3) Situation Normal, All .... Up
It's only human. We get to see glimpses of people's uncivility and dirty laundry from time to time. Cost of freedom, I guess.
Overall, this is still the most civil of the forums (fora?) Deleting and/or moving posts is the best solution when the flame throwers come out. But another effective method is to simply ignore the posturing.
It's only human. We all have political views, and they're bound to leak out sometime. Few of us have evolved sufficiently to embrace all positions as being of equal value.
Got to get back to my gardening now.