The liberals didn't support Hitler, and they were right. Hitler was considered a "conservative" by his fellow countrymen. Throwing around these labels are meaningless as the terms have different meanings in different nations, eras, cultures, etc.
You admit Putin wants to centralize power and is a control freak but say he is not a communist because of his "conservative" economic programs. Hitler revitalized the Germany economy. No, Putin "may" not be a communist in your mind, but he is definitely a fascist and a would-be dictator and in my mind there is no redeeming difference.
You make some good points. Let me get back to you on it in the morning.
Putin is the same old KGB Communist he always was...only with his hand out. Do you know how much Russia is STILL spending on an underground, bunkered CITY? Now, why would they do that?