What happened to talking about politics?

I'm sick and tired of hearing about what to discuss and what not to discuss in good company. I'm here trying to write a blog about politics and I can't even mention about my blog in good company because it isn't "kosher" to talk about religion and politics. What happened to the days when people went to bars or the local pub to talk about political issues of the day and debate them with their peers? What ever happened to not worrying about offending somebody because of a difference of opinion? Why do we fear upsetting somebody because they disagree with your viewpoint? Isn't that they ultimate way to the truth? I didn't develop the slogan "Finding Truth through the Promotion of Liberty" without thought. I think what happened is throughout time we have become the infamous "sheepeople" and because of modern technology (i.e. internet, TV, and radio) we have become attuned to what we listen to. In some regards brainwashed...