"As an online discussion grows longer the probability of a comparison being made to Hitler or the Nazi approaches 1 (100%)." This is Godwin's Law.... and it holds for any set of participants in the conversation: conservative or liberal. At least that is what the average American, armed with a retail skepticism of all things political, would have us believe. "Both sides do it..." is the usual refrain.
As a devout liberal, I can certainly see many, many parallels between todays GOP and Nazi Germany - from their use of the media to the manipulation of powerful industrial interests against the betterment of the country as well as their own interests to denying certain targeted citizens (black, gay, etc.) the rights granted to the more deserving. There is, simply put, no shortage of ways to "see" the modern GOP movement in the light of the 1920's and 1930's.
But there is a difference. As a quick insight into the GOP's rightwing Zeitgeist, google "hitler youth." What you will find is an astonishing number of propaganda posters, tabloids, stories, and rants with the absolute conviction that Obama is the "next Hitler."
Now if I were asked "is Boehner really a Nazi?" I would have to say... "of course not!" Simply because certain methods of media manipulation and fact - reengineering resemble those used by the Nazis doesnt mean that Boehner is ready to march millions off to a concentration camp. While he may be badly misguided, he is most certainly NOT a brownshirt. And it is my belief that most of our colleagues on the opposite side of the isle are lured by corporate donations, badly misinformed, subscribe to a objectivist world view that contradicts the very nature of man. But they are NOT Nazis. In fact, the stupidity of of suggesting so displays a more than appalling lack of historical context. While Paul Ryan may advocate for some pretty stupid things, I suspect he too would draw the line at gas chambers set up by a totalitarian government.
And this is where the difference comes in. Only 20 minutes perusing the web will demonstrate quite clearly that there are those on the "opposite side" that do not not feel this way about us liberals. It seems, to some rightwing TP'ers we ARE the Nazis, reincarnate. The incredible twist of logic that would allow for such an interpretation, is beside my point. Rather, I want to draw attention to the idea that they are not making an analogy to the methods and intents of Nazis. They are suggesting a direct correlation! Liberals who wish to make sure everyone has health care and that we invest in schools are THE SAME as those who murdered more than 6 million in death camps. And, what is more, those that lead this rabble use similar language: Palin's "death panels."
So, I suggest that there is a false equivalency of the left's and right's use of Nazi imagery and citation. While I believe that leaders on the left, such as President Obama, have done a reasonable job of disavowing such language and have based their arguments on clear understandings of the history involved, I also believe the GOP has not. They has simply failed to lead. Like that one fleeting moment when McCain explained to an audience member that candidate Obama was NOT a muslim, the few that have been able to step up to the mic have been marginalized, discredited, and scorned. McCain paid for this dearly, and by all accounts has mended his ways.
And this is my point. The "thought leaders" of the right have been cowed into servitude to the meme. In doing so, they are making a mistake that is, in so many ways, similar to that made by Germans in the 1920's and 1930's. Granted, we all hope that it doesnt have the same disastrous consequences. But, never the less, it is the mistake of NOT standing up and LEADING.
So I challenge the Boehner's out there. Educate yourselves about the level of evil you are using to describe your fellow Americans. Then ask yourselves, "are your policies so bad that they require this level of blind villainization?" If so, you should rethink your policies. If not, you should rethink your hyperbole. The Nazis were really really bad. Stand at the gates of Dachau for 5 minutes and you can still feel death surrounding you. I pray you dont really think Nancy Pelosi has this world view because she wishes to have our population covered by medical care. The natural consequences of this wish are NOT death camps. And Mr Boehner, you know this. So I implore you... LEAD.