George,

Now that the official Republican website is comparing the oratorical outbursts of angry Democrats with the fulminations of Adolph Hitler, perhaps it’s time for Democrats to compare President George Bush with Hitler as well. Let’s look at three important areas – bravery, truthfulness, and aggressiveness.

Bravery: During the Vietnam War, Bush sought refuge as a pilot in the Air National Guard, never had to fire a shot, and at times simply could not be found. By contrast, Hitler served as a front line runner, survived wounds and gassing, and twice won the Iron Cross, Germany’s highest military medal. Score: Hitler one, Bush, zero.

Truthfulness: Hitler accused Germany’s Jews of being culpable for the burning of the Reichstag, when they were not. Bush falsely claimed a link between al-Qaida and Iraq when there was none. Score: Hitler ½; Bush, ½.

Aggressiveness: Hitler invaded Poland in 1939 on grounds the Poles has been granted German territory by the Allies after World War One. Even though Hitler’s invasion was wrong, he could at least cite historical fact to make a case for it. By contrast, Bush claimed a small, 5th rate military power half way around the world threatened America with weapons of mass destruction, when there was no case for that. Score: Hitler, one; Bush, zero.

Total score, Hitler, 2 ½; Bush ½.

The preceding tally is ridiculous, of course, as Hitler wrongly invaded many countries, and Bush so far has only wrongly invaded Iraq. Where Hitler slaughtered millions, Bush is responsible only for the deaths of an estimated 10,000 Iraqi civilians and uncounted thousands of Iraqi soldiers, plus the growing numbers of American and coalition troops. In conclusion, Bush still compares very poorly to Hitler. For a meaningful comparison, Americans need to re-elect Bush in November, giving him the opportunity to do really big things.

Sherwood Ross (electronic mail, June 28, 2004)