There is something to be said though about shining a spotlight on the cockroach infestation, rather than filling the holes with spackle followed by a nice paint

There is something to be said though about shining a spotlight on the cockroach infestation, rather than filling the holes with spackle followed by a nice paint job. Threats of violence, or calls that encourage it are a fair line to draw for any user. But the posts you're talking about removing, I think amounts to turd polishing that might actually make it sparkle more than it deserves, and ends up being a deception of the true character of the person. Imagine if all the birtherism posts were scrubbed? That's his true nature. Compulsive liar or delusional - doesn't really matter. My concern is assurance posts are difficult to scrub. That's what incentivizes people to be sincere rather than just taking inconsequential pot shots at others.