If everyone you disagree with

[cali]

is a Nazibrownshirtpigthugfascistcomplicitapologistwhatever, then

all those words become nullified, meaningless, a total waste of breath.

[valerief]

1. Kinda like "9/11 changed everything." nt

[cali]

2. yep, kinda like. n/t

[Rage for Order]

3. Come on now Cali....

Freedom to say "Nazibrownshirtpigthugfascistcomplicitapologistwhatever" isn't free ;)

[Jed Dilligan]

4. Apologist! nt

[MonkeyFunk]

5. Of course you're right

but don't expect it to change.

A lot of people simply can't believe that others could disagree with them for honorable reasons.

[cali]

6. Actually, even if they are disagreeing for dishonorable

reasons, that kind of hyperbole renders those words impotent.

[LeftCoast]

7. I think that's just what people do when they can't argue their case

For a lot of people belief trumps evidence.

Of course, that's really not surprising when we can't trust a lot of the information we receive through mass media.

Still, it's counterproductive. The circular firing-squad mentality is one of the Left's biggest weaknesses.

[cali]

8. You make a good point

I think you're probably right that a lot of this stems from distrust, but it is sloppy, and it does reduce the power of the words in question.

[Heidi]

10. I decided to accept a long time ago that everyone here is on the same side.

When I suspect otherwise, I use the alert button.

Good to see you, friend. :)

[cali]

12. You are a wise person. n/t

[Heidi]

9. Nice post, Hitler.

Kidding, kidding. :pals:

Thank you for making this point. I, too, am disturbed by how easily the Nazibrownshirtpigthugfascistcomplicitapologistwhatever accusations roll of people's tongues. x(

[Beerboy]

11. This theory has been bandied about a time or two,

but the general consensus seems to be to call people names.
Why take the high road?
I don't have any links handy re: Weimar Germany, but the rhetoric of the times was so extreme and actual violence and gunfire in the streets so commonplace that the practices and atrocities of the actual Nazi party seemed like exaggerated propaganda to the voters.
The extremism, propaganda, and violence was discarded as mere projection of equally powerful and bloodthirsty political thugs , one of which will impose it's will by force on the voters/taxpayers.