The Skeptics Guide to the Universe Forum

The odd thing is, the link for this story now 404s. I wonder why...

http://www.atheistrev.com/2011/01/michael-shermer-is-fed-up-with-dennis.html

Michael Shermer is Fed Up With Dennis Markuze
from Atheist Revolution by vjack

QuoteI have great respect for Michael Shermer. I enjoy his books, and I consider his brand of skepticism to be an extremely valuable asset to the atheist movement. I received a copy of the email below from Shermer, which he sent to everyone's favorite troll, Dennis Markuze (aka David Mabus). I went to Shermer's website and confirmed that the contents of this email matched that of his Twitter feed, suggesting that it is authentic.

It is clear from this email that Shermer is taking Markuze very seriously. I can't say I blame him.

   

QuoteJanuary 22, 2011

    To: Dennis Markuze, aka Mabus

    From: Michael Shermer

    I spoke to your father yesterday, after a conversation with your mother the day before. Your father told me that he thought you had stopped doing things like this years ago, but when I read him your latest postings, ramblings, and death threats he was surprised to hear that this technique of drawing attention to yourself by harassment continues. Apparently this is something that you have been doing for many years.

    Listen carefully. I have contacted the Montreal police, along with the local police in my city, and alerted them to the danger that you pose as a deranged and possibly mentally ill man. Although your parents indicated that they don't think that you are mentally ill, they are obviously not privy to the death threats you have been sending all of us. On Monday I am filing a restraining order against you. If you show up anywhere near me I will have you arrested on the spot and put into jail. If you attempt to approach me I will be armed and will not hesitate to use any force necessary to stop you.

    In the past 24 hours I have received over 200 tweets and emails from you. This must stop now. I hereby demand an end to all communication from you of any form. If you continue contact with me this will all go on your police record.

    Michael Shermer

Markuze may be a harmless nut, but I do not think that we should assume that. The content of his frequent messages has become increasingly violent. It sounds to me like Shermer is taking reasonable steps to protect himself. I wish it wasn't necessary, but that does not make it so.

so shermer is carrying concealed now? cool.  :)

Quote from: Citizen Skeptic on January 24, 2011, 12:56:22 PM
so shermer is carrying concealed now? cool.  :)

I can see the 700 Club headline now: "Godless Atheist guns down devout Christian when confronted with evidence of God's Love"

I've thought too about trying to contact his family. Sad they deny their son is mentally ill, however. But it sounds like Shermer got something of a receptive ear.

Latest word (and the reason that post might have been taken down) is Shermer is thinking he overreacted and believes Mabus is a harmless crank. Well, I guess, until he jumps a snowplow and kills someone.

Quote from: mindme on January 24, 2011, 02:14:01 PM
Latest word (and the reason that post might have been taken down) is Shermer is thinking he overreacted and believes Mabus is a harmless crank. Well, I guess, until he jumps a snowplow and kills someone.

The man spends his time issuing death threats, convinced he has GOD on his side. He's shown up at a venue where one of his favorite targets was speaking. I suspect the belief that he's "harmless" is based more upon wishful thinking on the part of his targets than reality.

DM needs therapy, possibly institutionalization. The man has far too much anger and hatred bubbling inside him to be considered "harmless".

Yeah, and everyone thought that Jared Loughner was just a little "off" right up until he killed people. I think Michael Shermer needs to go with his original instinct and pursue legal action.

Everyone is harmless, until someone is harmed.

Remember to keep on in the chamber, Michael. Fortune favored the prepared.

Quote from: Citizen Skeptic on January 24, 2011, 12:56:22 PM
so shermer is carrying concealed now? cool.  :)

I read this and my heart soared.

Quote from: Halleyscomet/Wakefield on January 24, 2011, 02:46:31 PM
The man spends his time issuing death threats, convinced he has GOD on his side. He's shown up at a venue where one of his favorite targets was speaking. I suspect the belief that he's "harmless" is based more upon wishful thinking on the part of his targets than reality.

DM needs therapy, possibly institutionalization. The man has far too much anger and hatred bubbling inside him to be considered "harmless".

This. I suspect he is only getting worse, and will start to get closer and closer, attending more events, escalating his fixations, until one day he has the courage to do whatever Nostradamus is whispering in his ear. And the authorities are unlikely to see him as a threat until he does do something violent.

Quote from: drwfishesman on January 24, 2011, 04:08:04 PM

Quote from: Citizen Skeptic on January 24, 2011, 12:56:22 PM
so shermer is carrying concealed now? cool.  :)

I read this and my heart soared.

The danger being that this might get DM to start packing heat if he isn't already.

Quote from: Miisa on January 24, 2011, 04:14:30 PM

Quote from: Halleyscomet/Wakefield on January 24, 2011, 02:46:31 PM
The man spends his time issuing death threats, convinced he has GOD on his side. He's shown up at a venue where one of his favorite targets was speaking. I suspect the belief that he's "harmless" is based more upon wishful thinking on the part of his targets than reality.

DM needs therapy, possibly institutionalization. The man has far too much anger and hatred bubbling inside him to be considered "harmless".

This. I suspect he is only getting worse, and will start to get closer and closer, attending more events, escalating his fixations, until one day he has the courage to do whatever Nostradamus is whispering in his ear. And the authorities are unlikely to see him as a threat until he does do something violent.

The guy's a ticking time bomb.