[annalex]

I did not say it is illegitimate; in fact I happen to think that there are several parallels between the rise of Hitler in 1930’s and the rise of Putin in 2000’s. I simply would prefer to talk in less inflammatory terms, because any time someone brings up Hitler the result is that Hitler is discussed, rather than the initial subject.

[nathanbedford]

I quite agree, it is the responsibility of the author to be sensitive to his audience and to the realities of what works and what does not work in advocacy. There is no point in offering up a hanging curveball to your adversary.

I remember comparing the rise of, not Putin, but Obama to the rise of Hitler and commenting on the parallels. But I did so only after a careful reservation of the scope and intent of the comparison to avoid the problems you describe.