It really is, isn't it?Sure you know all that. It's just kinda surreal to type it out because a minority of people are just that stupid.
What is Twitter? What is Facebook? Sure, microblogging and a social media network. Do those two things constitute a kind of virtual public square? I'd say hell no but the companies themselves can't even decide so they selectively and opaquely enforce the rules and that seems to make the assholes who get banned more riled up and even engender some sympathy. The internet was a mistake.
There are times when I'd agree with you. But I think it's better said that it's simply a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or ill. As it's become easier to use and more pervasive, this makes it much easier to take for granted. Now we're getting the wake-up calls, and the slow reduction in Facebook usage is reason for hope.