In this country, a reference to Nazism or to Hitler is pretty much a sign that the discussion has gone off the rails. In fact, its been codified as Godwin's Law which states that "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one."

Its the cyber-equivalent of a punch-in-the-nose after the last insult overruns our tolerance buffer.

Culturally, Hitler and the Nazis are the personification of ultimate evil. As I've pointed out before, no Star Trek series is complete without at least one episode set in Nazi Germany.

Yet for much of the world, Hitler and the Nazis are no more than an obscure historical reference--a vague association with Germany. So, in far-flung places like Mumbai or South Korea, when you think of beer, you think of Germany, and when you think of Germany, you naturally think of Hitler. Hence the rather common sight of Hitler-themed restaurants and bars.

When Hitler’s Cross restaurant opened in a Mumbai suburb Sunday, local politicians and movie industry types were on hand to celebrate beneath the posters of the Nazi leader and swastikas.

Actually lots of Americans thought Hitler was a pretty good guy too--Joe Kennedy comes to mind as does Charles Lindberg. Dictators aren't such bad guys after you share a beer or two...