Autonemesis

Then John Ashcroft better not run against them.

whiteguyonabike

If the comparison adds insight or good analysis to a discussion, then it adds something of substance. Okay, comparing two things that are vastly different will unlikely do this, I'll give you that. However, comparing Bush and Hitler? Both were/are leaders of heavily militaristic nations. Their administrations were within a century of each other. They both had/have a segment of the population that was/is feared by much of the nation for their cultural-religious backgrounds. Many people from these segments were sent to isolated camps. Both were/are recovering from an economic crisis.

Now, if after analysis, you come to the conclusion that Bush is unlike Hitler for reasons X, Y, and Z, you have STILL added something valuable to the discussion (although maybe it is not terribly useful).

It is important to make useful connections with past and current events. Otherwise, history becomes quite recreational and non-utilitarian.

Ennazus

Don't do that! It's a 1/2 vote for Hitler.

Dyrwen

Yeah, well, I try to find the humor in even the most off-limit of topics. Glad you spotted it.

quip

If Hitler Ran Against Stalin Who Would You Vote For?

Vote? I wouldn't get the chance. One faction would eventually remove the other and assume dictatorial control.

Chris Weimer

Remember, even Hitler was elected before the "communist scare" gave him free martial reign. Sounds like Bush is on the right track for mass genocide (I say he'll kill all non-Christians...)

Mrhat

You can compare their tactics without comparing their objectives.

Example:

"Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to greater danger. It works the same in any country."

-Hermann Goering

"An evil exists that threatens every man, woman and child of this great nation. We must take steps to insure our domestic security and protect our homeland. "
- Adolph Hitler

Strikingly similar to that which we have been hearing from the Bush administration and Repubs in general. I don't think that Bush is going to start genetic cleansing millions of people then invade Canada for some lebensraum. Just pointing out that their tactics for gaining power are similar; not that I entirely fault the Bush administration for seizing on it... it has, after all, proven effective many times before. I partially fault the "liberal" media for being so afraid of being labeled 'liberal' to report as hard on them as they ought to. I partially fault the voters that will vote Bush for this reason for refusing to learn from the mistakes of so many people prior and buying in to the mindset that there is an eminent danger, and only our Fearless Leader (this one, not any others) can save us.

marijn

This is the thing most folks seem to forget: when you can vote you can start your own party as well. If there'd be democratic elections coming up with hitler and stalin i'd try to run for office myself... even if your not particilary fond of me i ought to be able to out nice hitler and stalin.