As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Adolph Hitler or the Nazi regime approaches.
That was the original basic version of Godwin’s Law, an observation made by Mike Godwin in 1990. It is frequently cited in almost all internet discussion groups or social media sites. However, there are two things that seem to be a misconception.
First, Godwin never claimed that the law suggested a fallacious argument. He merely identified a tendency for hyperbolic comparisons, which usually meant the intelligent discussion was over. In some sites, the person who invoked the comparison was automatically deemed “the loser” in the argument or debate.
Second, Godwin never said such a comparison was automatically invalid. For example, were someone to suggest that all Jews should be put to death, the comparison would not only be valid, it would clearly represent the effect of such a position.
Now, the point here is this. If we look critically at the campaign of Herr Drumpf we can find frightening similarities to Hitler’s rise to power. At many times it appears that Drumpf is quoting chapter and verse from the Nazi playbook...citing the threat of immigrants, the influx of those with a specific religion, the threatening of family members of terrorists, and more. Change the language and you’d have Hitler. The instructions to “get them out of here” and “I’d love to punch him in the face” are words Hitler spoke often, and like the followers of Drumpf, Hitler’s minions did exactly that.
So...Godwin’s law doesn’t really apply in this election, simply because Drumpf is doing exactly the same things Adolph did in the 1930’s. If you watch Triumph of the Will, you’ll see Hitler flying and then descending into the crowd, as if he was a God arriving from on high. Now go back and watch Drumpf descending from his tower to announce his campaign. Yeah...same thing.