I didn't read much of the thread in question - but I think it's normal that once in a (hopefully rare) while, a thread has to be closed. It's really only because a discussion has become a bit too heated and uncomfortable, and that's all it really is. Somehow, the discussion gets de-railed, people get hurt feelings, and things go a bit haywire. It doesn't sound like anyone got "banned" or anything of the kind, just a smart decision to close a thread that was going a bit weird.
I think it was very wise to just close it. I don't think this means people can't talk about these issues in the future, but it was just this one particular thread where it was getting a bit too heated.
I'm glad it was closed, and *not* because I didn't like the general idea behind the discussion, but because sometimes these things need to be done to keep things positive and helpful.
Anyway, none of my business really - but I wanted to say "smart move" to Angie and Greg for closing that one particular thread.
In the meantime, it was an excellent discussion topic - and I'm sure that we could all learn a few things from each other - it's just that sometimes a thread will go a bit weird, and sometimes it's necessary to close it.
I wanted to post to that thread, but when things got a bit funny, I didn't feel comfortable. Like I said, great discussion and all kinds of interesting things to talk about ...but I think it helps to keep an open mind?
Never mind all of that - suffice to say - good job on closing that thread - it was the right thing to do, given the circumstances.