GODWIN’S Law, coined in 1990, states that it is only a matter of time before an internet debate descends into farce, with someone being compared to Hitler, or being accused of being a 'Nazi'.

The rule has since been adopted for all types of debate - and it seems the row over a potential merger between Taunton Deane and West Somerset councils is no exception, with a video posted on YouTube about the proposed merger of Taunton Deane and West Somerset councils being portrayed as a famous scene from classic war movie Downfall featuring Hitler erupting over the impending failure of his bid to conquer Europe.

The video, produced by an unidentified YouTube user, is entitled 'Taunton's Third Reich' and portrays the leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, John Williams, as the Fuhrer.

What an absolute disgrace.

Cllr Williams is quite right to use every derogatory term at his disposal to describe the video, for it is a hateful piece of work.

RELATED: 'SHAMEFUL': Council leader's fury after being compared to Hitler in YouTube video

Whatever your views of the merger plan, I struggle to find any argument which would justify such a comparison which is not insulting to everyone involved, both those backing the merger and those opposing it.

Oh, and it was posted on Holocaust Memorial Day too, just to cause maximum offense.

Whoever created the video, it can only be presumed, wishes people to believe the comparison and oppose the merger.

Not only is this a grossly offensive PR tactic, but one which is guaranteed to backfire.

Because no one is interested in the message once they see the method by which it is being conveyed.

Content is king. And no matter how much someone may oppose the merger proposal, using such imagery makes it impossible for any right-minded person to endorse this video - immediately weakening any intended message.

The debate is lost before it has begun. The anti-merger campaign will, regardless of who produced this vitriolic piece, be sullied by this incident going forward.

Lib Dems at TDBC (who oppose the merger) have distanced themselves from the video - and rightly so.

But the decision of former mayor Jefferson Horsley to retweet the link, with his own inappropriate message is naive at best, downright foolish at worst.

It harms his party, his reputation and worst of all, it harms any debate over the merger itself.

PAUL JONES
Editor