This is quite a consensus. And from some fairly important forum participants. I am impressed. I too think the elimination of the forum was way overboard.
If individuals are problematic then deal with individuals.
If you don't wish to participate in political dialogue then don't.
Somehow I suspect however that the idea of conservative views going unaddressed will be just too painful for some.  :)
Still, its better to make some attempt at rebuttal no matter how ineffective, than to try and silence the voices.

I'd like to see the off topic room in either of those places. That would be the definition of off topic!!

Don't forget the Palimino Club or Little Darlings!!!!!!!  Bring back the off topic. . . . .I am definitely against it's removal.  Or maybe we should call it the Off Color Bar and Grill??? 

against removal , against Dallas Wowboys, against Tony Homo , against Wowboy fans blaming Jessica Simpson for "distracting "Homo, against the President getting involved in a minor disturbing the peace incident, against high oil and gas prices, against people that are blowhard b.s.ers, against" gun control laws", against small time contractors who don't have the means to do a job and pay their bills and think it's OK to tie up other peoples time and money (raccoon welds ?)   PS. GO STEELERS IN THE HUNT FOR #7.

Lawrence's post was a definite asset to this thread.  I concur 100% with his sentiments. 

We all get passionate and opinionated about more than just our welding.  And occassionally we take it too personally when others do not see things the same way that we do.  Some have talked of tolerance which is well needed and appreciated when practiced. 

It has also been mentioned that if you don't want to participate you don't have to which is without a doubt wise counsel to some who may have been offended.

The biggest point to me though is the reputation of this site and the AWS.  They have an obligation to protect the organizations reputation.  Many of us may not see the OTBAG as something that would bother that reputation one way or another.  But for some reason, and I hope and pray it was a legitimate, honest evaluation not personal, they decided that particular part of this forum was not in their best interest and did not represent the official stands of the AWS in a way that gave a positive reflection of them and their membership.

There are people here who have the ability to make their own 'blog' or whatever the proper name would be which would allow those who wished to to gather and continue the types of discussions that were happening here.  I understand that it was nice for many to be able to go to one site and get advice, help others, and vent or share when needed.  But it is not the end of the world. 

I don't have a direct opinion as to rather I am 'for' or 'against'.  I would be 'against' and suggest it come back with possibly restricted access.  It would have a special registration separate from the general forum so no one got in the middle of the more passionate threads.  And as was suggested earlier, deal with the offenders.  But then who would the monitors be and how much are some going to scream when they get dealt with?  If it is available from this site it still represents the AWS.  And, scream about it being a money oriented organization all we want, to which I agree on some fronts, if they don't make money, they go out of business.  Then where are we and all the advances in the welding field that have been made through the years.  So who is going to pay them for the paid staff that must monitor the site that we access for free.  Yes, most of us are members and pay dues, but this site is available for us to pool our vast resources and help others as a free benefit.

There must be a way to do both.  But then there would still be those who would scream censorship.  Tolerance, compromise, patience, kindness.  These are all needed in any free expression of ideas and opinions.  Have we all put our best foot forward in these things?

I have more questions than I do answers so I will drop out of the discussion.  I hope it does not mean that many of you do follow through and stop posting here.  Your opinions, sage advice, experiences, knowledge and helpful attitudes have been very appreciated by me.  Don't take this action by AWS as a personal attack.  There are people who still need you here.  I am one.

Just my two tin pennies worth.  Thanks for the opportunity to express.

Have a Great Day,  Brent