Mostly I haven't read the threads that everyone is refering to.
But I agree that getting personal, if it includes insults, constant belittling, or other similar rude comments, is basically bullying. We have all acted rude, I'm sure, but if they are doing it doing it often, especially if one follows that unkindness up by pointing out that the poster they are attacking can't do anything about those digs, they are being rude and not contributing anything to the conversation/debate/argument.
Of course, its hard to not get "personal" when we feel strongly about things, and it's not always wrong. But being very rude and judging others is.
It's one thing to say "you're wrong! Why would you think that? That's a crazy idea!" It's far different to say "You are stupid/immature/(any other judgement of personality or flaws)! You have no right to talk about this subject! You don't know what you're talking about!"
And I do agree that since so many people here were once part of a horible, destructive cult that does little for our self-esteem and social skills, we should all try to be nice, whenever possible. We should tolerate it when others attack us, but we never know what other people are going through and what could hurt them, so morally we all have a responsibility to try to not hurt others through insults and other attacks.
On the other hand this ISN'T a KH, and we should all be able to have lively, passionate debates without worrying abot "stumbling" others.
I hope this comment is relevant to what everyone is discussing...