Hack Manhattan is an amazing place full of brilliant people. Like all communities it has it's ups and downs. After my experiences there for the past several months it's clear to me that Garfield J is angry about something, but I think that anger is a little misplaced. There is a comprehensive harassment policy here, and violating the rights of members or guests will certainly be met with a verbal correction in the very least.
While there may be times for sharing youtube videos with others, political punditry tends to divide people which doesn't help anyone finish the projects they are working on, and could be considered a distraction. People work here, have client meetings, telecommute, etc. If you were playing youtube videos in another office, unrelated to work, that others could hear, you would probably be asked not to, or even be fired for it. You could always listen with headphones on like most people in the space.
I've had friendly, interresting, conversations with people from all over the political spectrum in this place. Even though I disagree strongly with some members about certain topics, I have not been made to feel unwelcome even by people who I've offended with the vocal expression of my beliefs. Hack Manhattan is a sanctuary for anyone who wants to improve their community skills, in addition to the, programming, electronic, and other making skills more officially on offer. If you're not a doer this might not be the place for you; but if you're more interested in getting your project done than any particular social quirks of the likely genius sitting next to or across from you, then this amazing community is probably a great place to get it done, get inspired for your next one, grow your business, learn new skills, and cultivate a shiny new better you. read more