I think it depends on what kind of article you're looking at. It's related to a political issue early in the U.S. election year, so there's alot of noise from people who don't usually comment. Only 10.5 months until the nonsense goes away for awhile.

Is this a typical thing on HN in election years? This is where I come to escape, dammit! :)

I would give a finger to have an entire forum of people from various technical backgrounds who could have intelligent conversations about various topics without the bumbling interference of the devoted true believers of whatever creed.

Agreed, and such a level of ignorance as well. This doesn't bode well for the future.