OK here's the problem:
One member of the board posts a very stupid thread which insults some other members. In response, the other members wage a campaign believing their cause to be truly just which descends into some astonishingly nasty posts and comments. It is concerted and continous and waged against one person. This, like it or not, is the definition of bullying. This board, and the rules on the board, are for everyone not the few. If I were to ban the first member, which seems to be the over-whelming call, then surely I have to ban the other members that waged the bitter and hate filled campaign against him because they are equally complicit in the mess that has descended on here. One rule for all.
It is an interesting problem is it not? I don't like banning people, it's not my cup of tea. I much prefer everyone to act like adults and work their problems out with maturity instead of insults, slurs and bullying. Sadly, I don't see any danger of that actually happening at the moment.
One day, if we all tried, maybe we could have a board that we're all proud of. Maybe we could try peace, reconcilliation and tolerance for a change. Maybe we should give it a go - and for no other reason than simply because the other way really isn't working at all. What do you reckon?