Are comparisons between the U.S. and Nazi Germany valid?

[cali]

And if so, what precisely are the similarities? What rights have we lost? What rights are we likely to lose? Can you really envision death camps in this country?

I'm not suggesting that the fear of fascism isn't rational, but I do think the comparisons are overblown. The U.S isn't Wiemar Germany. We have a different tradition and a different history. We've been through dark times before, such as the interment of Japanese Americans, the oppression of African Americans and the shameful treatment of Native Americans.

Progress sometimes falters as it's faltering now, and we need to remain vigilant, to fight encroachments on our liberties, but until I see serious attempts to bring back HUAC , attempts to inter Arab Americans or other groups, or bills suggesting the banning of groups such as the ACLU, I remain hopeful that the pendulum will swing and progress will be renewed in the areas in which they're being weakened.