scarborough got this wrong

scarborough was wrong here, in this argument, when he compared jessie ventura's statement to statements made by hitler. in fact, hitler repeatedly remarked about the religiousity of national socialism, and its close ties to the christian belief system. hitler believed that the new germany would be a christian nation, and was clear about this belief in several speeches. a little cursory research of the legitimate historical record and research would have made this fact clear to scarborough. sadly, for talking heads, on both sides, even cursory research appears to be too much to ask. it is perspectives like this, and ad hoc comparisons, and the seemingly common rhetorical technique of comparing opponents to fascists that is polluting our political discussion. this statement goes too far, it is not this alone, but this is a key factor in the weakening of american political discourse.

so, i would like to lay out two basic tenets of understanding human beings:
1] everyone lies
2] everyone acts from a self-interested perspective

and a good piece of advice when having a rhetorical discussion with someone like scarborough, o'reilly, hannity, franken, or any one you meet in a bar; never trust historical examples implicitly, double check their facts, and question their facts, make them back it up.

and when someone compares someone or something to an atrocity, call them on that unfairness.