Usually, when someone brings Hitler or the Nazis into the conversation, I consider it just an attempt to make a big stink; it signals the end of the debate. I don't think that's what you meant.

Of course it wasn't and you know it. I was just pointing out all the losers we had in history and wondered what they had to teach us because I couldn't figure out what it could possibly be.

My point is this: Abusing, ridiculing, demeaning and, in general, attempting to silence one's opponents is a sign of democratic decline. From the late Roman republic to Weimar Germany, these attitudes have been the prelude to thuggery.

Oh. Are you referring to the behavior of the left wing toward the conservatives a-la "Rules for Radicals" by Saul Alinsky? If so, I agree with you whole heartedly.