[tomhoward]

HN is not a place for heated, partisan political arguments. Not now, not ever, no matter the topic.

True, this is a political topic. As such it would normally be killed, but occasionally exceptions are made in cases like this where an event is of unusual historical or cultural significance.

But commenters aren't suddenly given license to engage in boorish behaviour just because a political topic is given a rare green light.

Indeed the reverse should be the case; extra effort should be made to contribute respectfully and substantively in discussions over topics like this. Lest the mods deem that this community is incapable of discussing any political topic with intelligence, and that all political topics should be banned in future, no matter how significant.

Plenty of other places on the internet welcome heated, partisan political arguing. There's no need to do it here.