As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one.”
You see the above? That is Godwin’s law. Nothing more, nothing less. It does not mean that you can never bring up nazis or Hitler, can never compare someone or something to them or that you automatically lose a discussion if you do so.
Unfortunately, too many people act like it does.
Case in point, those objecting to Nathan Newman’s post comparing Israel’s treatment of the Palestines to Nazi Germany in 1938. As I’ve argued myself, comparisons of Israel with Nazi Germany are usually counterproductive and offensive, but not in this case. Yes, it is inflammary, but largely correct as well. To then scream “Godwin! Godwin! You lose!” is obnoxious.