I have friends who are extremely liberal. I have friends who are extremely conservative. They won’t discuss politics with each other because they know those that don’t believe like them are wrong (or nuts). I think discussing hot topics is a good thing when those discussing them can set aside their biases and discuss the hot topics intelligently without rancor. Discussion of hot topics is central to growth and understanding. It is possible to enter into a civilized conversation about a hot topic and keep one’s integrity in check.