The flaw in the usage of Godwin's law.

For those that don't know what Godwin's law is As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one.



Whether this is true or not, it has led to overuse of the law's reference. This is because there are many corollaries to Godwin's law, some considered more canonical (by being adopted by Godwin himself) than others invented later.

For example, the most often used reference to the law is a tradition in many newsgroups and other Internet discussion forums that once such a comparison is made, the thread is finished and whoever mentioned the Nazis has automatically "lost" whatever debate was in progress.

There is a flaw in this however.

What happens when such a comparison is justified? History does have a habit of repeating itself and if circumstances warrant such a comparison then surely we should take it seriously, instead of scoffing at it because of some inappropriate made-up law?

An organisation like those Germans who must not be named coming back is certainly not beyond the realms of possibility. In fact it's pretty easy.

After all, we live in a world where we'd prefer to go about our daily lives than listen to conspiracy theories and whatnot. Admit it, me simply saying "conspiracy theory" fills you with disbelief and the urge to say something sarcastic to me.

Well I wont try to convince you of any such conspiracies, I promise.

Consider this though. Governments and other organisations of various kinds plan things all the time. Some are good and some are criminal. This is an everyday fact. Some people with resources will try and get away with whatever they can to accomplish whatever goals they have in mind.

It's a fact, some people are that heartless and conniving. This applies from the bitch that works in your office, planning to steal your promotion; to plans on a grander scale. We have proof of this having happened throughout history and that brings me back to Godwins law and it's something I'd like you to remember.

The Nazis and everything they did happened. It happened in front of clever folks, just like you and me. The reason it happened is because people are afraid to face up to bad things.

It's a part of who we are.

I know I do it. When that bank statement comes, telling me I'm a lot over my overdraft..I don't want to read it. I simply can't face it.

You've all probably experienced a feeling like that.

Now apply it on a grander scale. I'll make up something instead of referencing a "conspiracy theory." Imagine if a wealthy organisation had made a school ill so that they could provide the antidote and look like heroes? It's never happened (as far as I'm aware).

The truth is, some people are bastards and it's possible that someone cruel enough can come along, amass that kind of influence and power and do it.

You wouldn't want to believe it. It'd be unthinkable. Imagine the dread and fear of knowing that it actually happened? Wouldn't you rather chalk it down to crazy people, call it a "conspiracy" theory and go about with your lives?

Coming back to my point, I wont say that all conspiracy theories are true or false. Each one could be or couldn't be and I'll not even bother trying to tell you which are which.

But bad things do happen, even on large worldly scales, by bad people. If there's even the slightest chance something big and bad could happen, we should listen...carefully.

Take care kids.

HMR