The argument that goes so far as to invoke Hitler is an argument that has gone too far. By the time the Hitler reference occurs the casual observer will have concluded that both participants are idiots.
The Bible covers this with considerable clarity and wisdom.
Proverbs 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
That sage advice is just another way of saying, "don't argue with an idiot". The point is that when you decide to argue with an idiot no one listening will be able to tell which of you is the idiot.
Some earlier advice from Proverbs suggests that you not engage in an argument with a fool in the first place.
Proverbs 14:7 "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge".
That is an interesting theory. Some people only have the Hitler analogy, though. I guess that means they are idiots. And I guess anybody who argues with them has to be an idiot too. But how do you know that in advance, especially online?
Sberna's not wrong that common sense is needed. You have to be able to tell legitimate analogies from illegitimate ones. His history, though, can be disputed (as can the history he criticizes). If you had widespread gun ownership in Germany in the 30s things might have taken a different turn. It's interesting though, that when we took over in 1945, we did disarm all Germans.
Proverbs 14:7 “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge”.
I’d never be in college again...