flamewars where simple disagreement is at play, there are 3 or 4 posters (on this and many other fora) who are unable to simply disagree without equating that which they do not like to all that is evil, bad and wrong in the world.

It's fine with me if one doesn't like Barry Manilow, I don't care much for him myself. But claiming that he is the incarnation of evil and single-handedly responsible for the decay of real tastes in North America and anyone who likes him probably voted for Bush is a bridge or three too far.

I wish I could tell you that these sorts of allegations aren't made, but I know they all too often are. One cannot admire a film Mel Gibson made without being treated to a ranting screed (filled with personal insults) on Mel Gibson's religion and politics and how finding some lewd enjoyment of his nekkid backside in "Bird on a Wire" automatically means you must be a Freeper. Like my hormones actually screen for politics before they activate.

What I don't see on DU nearly as often is the kind of altercation you describe. Disagreeing in more than fine. Most of us recognise the difference between a personal insult or dubious logical progressions and diversity. Your mileage may vary.