There really aren't, and never have been, very many people who poison the discussion here. Unfortunately it only takes one or two spouting venom and personal attack to change the atmosphere. Such individuals as Martin Gibson and Gargoyle have been missing from the action recently, and I certainly don't miss them.
Honest discussion and heated disagreement have always been present here. What is not needed is personal insult and attacks with the intent to do hurtful damage. I was angry to see on a recent thread that Gargoyle was praised by some as "refreshing" and "honest". Its the equivalent of admiring someone like Ann Coulter or Don Imus for being spontaneous.
Personal responsibility is a necessary attribute for anyone who wants to be accepted and respected as a citizen of the Mudcat Cafe, or the rest of the world.