Backpacker forums don't need political forums!
I've enjoyed discussing politics with friends and members here. While we don't have a "Political Forum", politics are very much a part of backpacking and worthy of discussion, so it's done in the "Off Topic Forum".
Remember when Bush Jr. wanted to sell off our NF land? I can tell you locals here were concerned and discussing it. And currently, here on this forum, the proposed "Government Shut Down" is also being discussed.
So I must disagree, Backpacking Forums do need a place to discuss politics, but they do not need a place to spew mean spirited political rhetoric, or to tolerate it.