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[Jeremy Portzer <jeremyp AT pobox.com>]

I just got in a major doghouse with a friend because I overreacted to
her characterization of Bush as a "Nazi pretending to be President". 
This was not the first time I've heard something like that.  I'm curious
to know how this comparison has entered common parlance.  It seems to me
that it's gone beyond the throwaway "Godwin's Law" level of discussion.

I haven't yet seen Farenheight 9/11 (not sure if I will or not), but
most reviews I've read imply that even Michael Moore doesn't stoop to
this level. 

Personally, I sympathize with the strong critics of Bush despite having
been a supporter of his in the past.  But even if you absolutely hate
the man, and his policies at home and abroad, is it fair to make this
comparison to the Nazis?  Here are some basic facts I came up with, even
leaning towards the worst as far as Bush's deeds:

Nazis:  exterminated 6 million Jews and thousands more handicapped,
Jehovah's Witnesses, Catholic clergy, homosexuals, etc.
Bush:  exterminated no one based on religion or origin; executed about
100 convicted murders while Gov. of Texas

Nazis:  actions killed 19 million Russian soldiers, 7 million Russian
civilians, 3 million Germans, approx. 50 million deaths total in WWII
Bush: actions killed >750 American soldiers, and estimated 10,000
Iraqis.

Nazis:  took over most of Europe in order to build an empire
Bush: took over two countries, to make them friendly to the U.S. (is
this an "empire"?)

Nazis:  stated goal is to build a socialist empire with a "master race"
Bush: stated goal is to stamp out terrorism and expand democracy

Why should I not react a little strongly when people make the comparison
that Bush is a Nazi?  What can I do to debate this characterization
politely?

Thanks for any comments.

-- 
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| Jeremy Portzer        jeremyp AT pobox.com      trilug.org/~jeremy     |
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