Crime

Mich. Prof. Praises Unabomber as a ‘Prophet’ & Potential ‘Savior’ of Humanity

Mich. Prof. Praises Unabomber as a Prophet & Potential SaviorUnlike that school in North Carolina, we at The Blaze believe everyone has the right to free speech. However, we also believe that just because you have the right, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should say whatever is on your mind.

For instance, we’d advise against publicly referring to Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, as a “very rational” modern day “prophet.”

Why? Because Kaczynski’s currently serving a life sentence for murdering three people with mail bombs, that’s why. It’d be like going to a cocktail party and opening up with an anecdote about how charming you think Ted Bundy is. Just don’t do it.

But despite his incarceration, and despite the fact that he’s nicknamed the “Unabomber,” David Skrbina, a lecturer at U of M-Dearborn, argues that the infamous domestic terrorist offers a “very rational” critique of modern society.

“The reason why he sent the bombs was not so much because he thought killing people would do any good, the reason was that it gave him the leverage to force the publication of [his] manifesto,” Skrbina told The Chronicle of Higher Education.

“In a sense he had this larger cause, which is a noble cause. If it turns out to be true that there is this vital threat to the planet or to humanity, there’ll be no doubt that Kazcynski was right, that the technological system is a kind of mortal threat,” he added.

Skrbina’s new book, “Technological Slavery,” is a collection of his correspondences with Kaczynski.

And although Skrbina condemns Kaczynski’s murder of three innocent people in the book’s forward, there’s still an air of admiration for the incarcerated man.

“[H]e was one of the few people who had the guts to stand up and say [that technology is a mortal threat], and to say that only the most radical action against the system can protect us from these worst possible outcomes,” Skrbina said. “So, it may yet turn out to be true that he was a prophet and potentially a kind of savior of humanity and the planet.”

Skrbina even sort of compares Kaczynski to President Obama when he argues with his students about the validity of teaching Unabomber theory.

“If I wanted to be sarcastic, I’d say our president kills people all the time, why should we listen to a murderer called Barack Obama?” he asked. “But we do. OK, it’s a different context and different circumstances, but there’s a kind of parallel there.”

The Washington Examiner’s Joel Gehrke notes that some students “are clearly fans and take class after class with the professor, appreciating the way he raises questions others shy away from.”

Comments (61)

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  • yohannbiimu
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 11:23am

    Hmmmm…and, I suppose one could say that Hitler did a lot of “good things,” when you look past World War 2, and rounding up “subhumans” to be massacred…

    Report Post » yohannbiimu  
    • dktrdktr
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 4:02pm

      Jah! und he builded ze autobahn und ze volkswagen.

      Report Post »  
  • Man-On-A-Mission
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 11:21am

    Our Country is in the dumpster when a serial killer can be compared to the President of the United States.

    Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:31am

    WTF? Over.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • rahrah15
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 6:36am

    This professor makes me ashamed to say I’m from Michigan. It’s no wonder that were have Occupy running around this country, look at what our kids are being taught and who is teaching them. It makes me wonder if the purpose of college has changed from educating people to breaking down the values of society.

    Report Post »  
    • Passerby
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 6:39am

      The purpose of college is to give rich kids and advantage over poor kids.

      Report Post » Passerby  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:16am

      Passerby
      “The purpose of college is to give rich kids and advantage over poor kids.”
      ***
      Yup, for sure, that is why my father who left high school without a diploma entered college 4 years later & with no help from his parents graduated in 3 years.

      Let’s go over the facts. His status was married with kids & his wife worked a blue collar job. He worked construction. When he got his degree & a management job at a Fortune 500 company his wife then went to college.

      Yep, for sure Passerby.

      Report Post »  
    • Passerby
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 4:40pm

      That’s what a scientists calls ancedotal evidence. It’s scientifically totally worthless.

      The measurable scientific facts, the cold hard numbers, say otherwise.

      So much for that superstitious nonsense.

      A couple other cold hard measurable facts are that
      1. College in more expensive in the US than any other first world country (at least).
      2. Social mobility, no rigid class structure, was once the US’s pride. But it’s now that absolute last in social mobility in all first world countries. If you are born poor here, you stay poor here, more than any other first world country.

      #1 and #2 are related. College is how you keep the poor poor.

      And it works.

      Report Post » Passerby  
  • Passerby
    Posted on May 24, 2012 at 6:19am

    The Unabomber is extreme right wing. His “Manifesto” is mostly him condemning leftists. He mentions leftists 10 times more than he mentions technology.

    Read the damn thing. At least read a few paragraphs.

    Report Post » Passerby  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:17am

      Kaczynski’s manifesto echoed contemporary critics of technology and industrialization, such as John Zerzan, Herbert Marcuse, Fredy Perlman, and Jacques Ellul

      Herbert Marcuse > Celebrated as the “Father of the New Left
      John Zerzan > is an American anarchist
      Fredy Perlman > his work …. has been very influential on modern anarchist thought.
      Jacques Ellul > Christian anarchist.

      Report Post »  
    • Steve28
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 9:24am

      The far right and left are equally as bad and are destructive forces devoid of reality.

      Report Post »  
    • Passerby
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 4:42pm

      Same spam. And anyone that’s even read a few paragraphs of the Manifesto is laughing at you.

      He hates leftists a hell a lot more than he hates technology.

      Report Post » Passerby  
    • Passerby
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 4:46pm

      You’re right about that, Steve.

      Show me someone that prides themselves in being pure right or left wing and I‘ll show you a mindless slug that just does what he’s told to do, believe what he’s told to believe.

      Report Post » Passerby  
  • J@ck_KvK
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:32pm

    It is interesting to see the rapid pace with which assumptions are made about one’s ideological background. As a Libertarian leaning Christian Conservative, I find it appalling that supposed “thinkers” on the right would so easily condemn the arguments of a man which they have clearly never read, simply because he has a criminal record.

    I am currently in the process of reading “Technological Slavery,” and I am amazed at the logical, rational, coherent, and downright intelligent arguments put forth by Dr. Kaczynski (The Unabomber). Having read his conclusions, I disagree with his approach. However, he is astoundingly correct about many things that he predicted decades ago. Please do yourself a favor and read for yourself. Isn’t that what we complain about from the left? Their unwillingness to approach a disparate view from their own with an open mind? You may be shocked at how much you agree with Kaczynski.

    Dr. Skrbina is clearly a liberal professor (a big Global Warming head), but he makes some good points. In the video I saw on this page he doesn’t say that Kaczynski is a Prophet, only that time may reveal him as one (paraphrased). While I disagree with this, especially because Kaczynski is certainly not called of God as Prophets must be, I agree with Dr. Skrbina that he may be well ahead of his time, with a unique ability to foresee the future.

    Dr. Kaczynski has a tremendous gift of perception and analysis, and disregarding his work does one a great disser

    Report Post »  
    • J@ck_KvK
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:44pm

      I forgot to mention, Kaczynski is NOT liberal or left wing at all. Neither is he conservative. I would put him slightly right leaning, if I believed in a linear political spectrum, which I do not.

      Please, at a minimum, read the manifesto before jumping to conclusions. If you are like me you will conclude that Kaczynski has some excellent points, but his approach forsakes any reliance on Divine Providence. That Glorious God in Heaven knows what he is doing, and it is all part of his plan. For this reason I don‘t think Kaczynski’s path forward would be beneficial. Nevertheless, I recommend you broaden your horizons. Google around for the Unabomber Manifesto. It isn’t hard to find…

      Report Post »  
    • daves.not.here.man
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:40am

      J@CK_KVK,

      Well thought out and said. I have not yet begun to read Mr. Skrbina’s book, but look forward to studying and analyzing the materials he has put together.

      I thank our Heavenly Father that there are still Christians in this country who commit themselves to seeking out truth without fearing the change they may have to undergo in the process. A heart to hear both sides of the debate and apply the mind of Christ in the response is a rare and precious thing in times such as these. Christ has not given us a spirit of timidity, alas with confidence we should profess the new things we have learned which we believe have merit based upon the Holy Scriptures. We cannot fear hostility and rebuke, even from those who we believe to be our religious/political allies.

      -Dave

      Report Post » daves.not.here.man  
    • booboognu
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:42am

      Was thinking these exact thoughts while reading the article. The point of the first amendment is so as a society we can openly discuss these topics. Maybe if we openly discussed hard to swallow topics more freely, the unabomber would have never killed anyone. Oh, I am sure someone out these is thinking that I am some ultra lib fruit, but I am also a devout Jesus loving libertarian who is not afraid of ideas, even if they are fringe and/or dangerous.

      With how society is becoming more and more used to arguing with people over the internet, and slamming one another while shutting down any free thinking, it seems we don’t really need the first amendment anymore. Or at least we don’t need the government protecting it, because we are already destroying it ourselves by automatically making everything a fight, and love shutting people down or making them look bad.

      A moral revolution needs to happen in this country, because to be honest, we don’t really work well as a society anymore. And I believe it is due to technology.

      Report Post »  
    • Passerby
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 6:23am

      There’s no such thing as a Jesus loving libertarian. It’s the exact precise opposite of what Jesus preached.

      Report Post » Passerby  
    • daves.not.here.man
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 1:39pm

      Libertarianism is generally considered to be the group of political philosophies which emphasize freedom, liberty, and voluntary association. There is no general consensus among scholars on the precise definition. Libertarians generally advocate a society with a government of small scope relative to most present day societies or no government whatsoever.

      I can have freedom through Christ and his Word and freedom from Human Totalitarianism if I strive for it. (Chrisitianity check and Libertarian Check)
      I can have liberty from sin through Christ and his Word and liberty as express through our Constitution.(Christianity check and Libertarian Check)
      I can have voluntary free will association with Christ and choose to be his disciple and I have free will association with …

      So, instead of being a slave to sin I am now liberated in Christ. I am also no longer a slave to human totalitarianism but instead a member of a nation with voting rights and inalienable God given, natural rights.

      Please again, explain to me how much of Libertarian Philosophy is incompatible with Gospel of Christ – the gospel of peace – the gospel of freedom and liberty?! I do not know if you are a Republican or not …. but … in my mind … much of the GOP ideology, especially the promotion of a war like nature, (the DNC platform is equally flawed) are in complete opposition to even the most basic Christian principles – but of course excellent excuses are made to justify actions. :(

      Report Post » daves.not.here.man  
    • Passerby
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 4:49pm

      It’s impossible for a Christian to be a Libertarian. Not if the words of the Christian Bible mean anything.

      1000 times it condemns the rich and/or supports the poor, including strick LAWS you HAVE to obey about taxes for the poor.

      Good luck finding 1 example to the contrary, because from Genesis to Jesus, it doesn’t exist.

      1000 to 0

      Report Post » Passerby  
    • daves.not.here.man
      Posted on May 25, 2012 at 1:31am

      Passerby,

      I just gave you three examples of Christianity and Libertarianism finding common ground.

      I think you are confusing libertarianism with republican conservatism – which it most certainly is not.

      You have made out of the blue statements concerning taxes and the wealth divide – but what do those concepts have to do with the philosophy of libertarianism?

      Speaking of taxes – let me give you an insiders tip – all taxes paid to men / human governments are not biblical. Only “tithes” paid to the church for the work of ministry have sound biblical standing.

      Jesus said to render unto Caesar‘s that which is Caesar’s and to God the things belonging to God. By the admission of both Jesus, the old testament, and new testament writers – all things belong to God – thus Jesus’ statement was actually a rhetorical question he was asking the religious authorities and people gathered around him in the temple. Those who heard this understood his meaning – the religious authorities were absolutely aware of his meaning and stance against human taxation as an affront to the Father’s sovereignty over all things. This incident was even raised at Jesus’ trial when he was accused by the religious authorities of rebelling against Caesar.

      The more you know man …..

      -Dave

      Report Post » daves.not.here.man  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:55pm

    Such are the heros of the left. These are used to do the dirty work or get so indoctrinated they take off on their own. So here is another sad future of someone who got indoctrinated by the liberals who live to destroy all that is good and decent.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • DEFCON4
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:09pm

    Cowards Worshipping a Coward ! Ted should be taking a dirt nap not giving interviews.

    Report Post » DEFCON4  
    • db321
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:49pm

      The more the Liberal Socialist Marxist Left dig into the dungeons of Hell for their idols the more support they get from their misguided followers.

      I’ve read and studied the Bible years ago. I just never understood then – how so many people would allow themselves to be deceived – all for self gain.

      Everyone that is Gay in America will vote for Obama – for self gain.
      Every Women in American that wants free Birth Control Pills will vote for Obama – for self gain
      Everyone that thinks Obama Care is going to be free – will vote for Obama – for self gain.
      Every Black person in America – will give up their promise of Eternal Life by casting their vote for Obama – just because of the color of his skin.

      God clearly teaches us his feelings on Abortion, Support of Israel, and Gay Marriage.

      Obama position on Abortion, Support of Israel, and Gay Marriage – is a total flip side of God’s teachings. Obama cannot ever claim to be a Christian again – his believes are the opposite of Christians and of Gods – therefore, Obama must be of his Father the Devil – and so are Obama’s supporters.

      I could careless how much Satan promises me – I will never support a man and his demonic believes over God.

      Be Careful who you vote for – Your life in Eternity will be effected by it.

      Report Post » db321  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:48pm

    Give being sardonic a try.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • jzs
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:58pm

      Wow, I watched the video and that guy is so kooky I question the fact that he’s a professor anywhere, on any subject and that this isn’t some fake youtube video.

      But I won‘t research that because I don’t care and that isn’t my point. Whether we like the direction that science and technology is taking the world, it’s an inexorable, irresistible force. Partly that’s because advanced technology makes people, corporations and governments more money, partly because it gives, for example, one country an advantage of some kind over another, partly because there are people who will devote their lives to seeing “what’s over the next hill” and for other reasons I’m sure.

      You can’t stop it. Now what I hope is a short term trend, Republicans would reduce pay for teachers (getting rid of the best), reduce help for poor students to get an advanced education (reducing the pool of talented people who can contribute to the US science effort in the future), demonize higher education (also reducing the pool of smart kids who get an education), start teaching religion in schools as an alternative to science (such as teaching that Genesis is a debatable alternative to evolution), but it doesn’t matter. Other countries will move forward while we in this country have fewer and fewer people to contribute to the effort.

      That’s bad for our country, making us less exceptional every day. But science will move forward. Just not so much here.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 12:30am

      JZS, You are fantasizing again. The Republicans I am voting for, I would hope that they would work hard to reduce the number of teachers who sit on their dead @$$es and fail to teach, or do nothing more than indoctrinate. There is an ad running on TV now that points out that our country scored 17th place world wide in academics. News stories talk of rubber rooms in NYC where teachers who have committed all sorts of infractions to even being suspected of child abuse. But, are still on the pay roll because of union contracts. A major drain on funds that could be put to better use on actual teachers. These abuses and massive wastes of funds should be targeted by any school boards and politicians regardless of party. But no, the Democrats continue to suck up to the unions for those financial kick backs.
      JZS, just stay in that fantasy land. Regardless how educated you are, true ignorance is still bliss. Be comfortably numb.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 2:52am

      Hey RJJ,

      Well said.

      Hey JZS,

      Speaking of useless teachers unions, what are your thoughts, or prognostications, for the recall election coming up. Care to take a side? You are 0 for forever so far.

      Do you think the dems will be able to pull off a steal? Are you making the trip up there to cast a vote?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:21am

      jzs

      Actually JZS I think we should get rid of schools as we know them. All kids should be home schooled.

      We could have sport leagues/clubs for adolescents like in Europe. Schools would not be involved in sports. Schools would be online except vocational courses & labs. Kids would no longer be bused. All that sitting & no moving hurts the health of the kids. Michelle Obama could get behind that with her Get Moving ” Campaign. Can’t move much on a bus.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 8:29am

      JZS

      Here you go JeZus. I verified that this guy is real & is a man of the left. He is an eco-philosophist. A lefty loves Kaczynski. Whop would have thunk it ;)

      http://www.umd.umich.edu/index.php?id=686380

      You always got to verify things. It is not that hard. I checked out 2 posters this week. I verified one that had Bush derangement syndrome. I verified that he was tax protester who had been sent to jail & been convicted of conveying death threats to multiple specific police officers & that he was bona fide hero. He suggested that I think before I typed (a warning or threat?).

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 10:50am

      RJJinGadsden says our education system is bad and unions are to blame. You just made that up but sounds good to some people I guess. I know it’s fashionable now to demonize teachers. That’s the kind blame laying that actually prevents the solution to problems.

      I also have heard and believe that that the US is ranks low worldwide in education. You blame the unions, but you realize that most of the countries ahead of us are socialist countries right?

      Sorry, you’re wrong. The problem isn’t unions and lazy teachers. The fact is that those countries place a greater emphasis on education system. While your Republican friends are trying to make it harder to get student loans for college, get rid of pre-school programs that mostly benefit the poor, make sure teachers make less money and have fewer benefits (that’ll get rid of the best teachers for certain) and otherwise deemphasize eduction in America, other countries do the opposite. In the long run, the US will suffer if it isn’t already.

      walkabout, thanks for the link, but where did you get that other information about the guy? Anyway, he’s a kook, whatever his politics.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 11:44am

      jzs
      Sorry my post was not clear. I was talking about posters on other articles that I looked up. One posted under his name & one gave his website.

      The first had a very distinguished British military medal. He also had a rap sheet & liked threatening the police, not paying his taxes & threaten the PM over the Iraq & Afghan wars. The second haunts a conservative site either to monitor or berate. Well I found out that the poster was real & not a troll. Not sure how he makes his money. He has legit businesses, but I can;t see them being profitable given the ‘lack of business’. Am I suspicious? Yes. The last guy the did art for record covers was also on SSI. He looked suspiciously healthy & had a boisterous sex life to boot. So why would he need SSI?

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 11:51am

      JZSaul,

      It is fashionable to demonize “lazy, no good, union teachers”….and for good reason.

      And if they don’t happen to be union, but are still lazy and no good, well then they should be demonized also.

      You must not have seen the NC story. That is not an isolated incident.

      Unions suck, they are on their way out.

      Common sense will once again prevail in this great land.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • Lunertic
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:45pm

    And people winder whats wrong with our Kids? Look no further than the Government controlled education system. HOME SCHOOL YOUR KIDS!

    Report Post »  
  • Watermain
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:44pm

    I’m guessing that the good professor thinks that Mr. Obama is a great president as well.

    Report Post » Watermain  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:31pm

    I would be very angry if I were a Michigan taxpayer, having to pay this moron’s salary with no chance to getting rid of him because of tenure.

    Report Post »  
  • RMJR
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:09pm

    Michigan…What use to be the union capital of the United States, turned into a cesspool that destroyed an entire state…and what other unions are doing in other states.
    Another clear reason why tenure and term limits are a must to be put into place in this next election…unless you want more ‘professors’, ‘teachers’ and ‘doctors’ of education, turn the next youngest generation into what we already see teaching our children, and soon will be, if not already, the teachers having the same mindset and agendas…so, this mindset really isn’t surprising, if we are telling the truth.
    Two words…HOME SCHOOL!

    Report Post » RMJR  
  • jhaydeng
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:00pm

    Why isn’t this guy on an FBI watch list?

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:37pm

    Typical .. U of M is where Bill Ayers and his buddies got their start … and started The Weather Underground. U of M is full of idiots.

    Report Post »  
  • dmerwin
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:34pm

    I guess I missed the Kaczynski benediction and ascension event. Did MSNBC cover that?

    Report Post » dmerwin  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:21pm

      They will now.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:25pm

      That is as soon as Madcow finishes her Cheney, Bush and Halliburton regurgitation tonight. Yep, that‘s what she’s talking about tonight; just like the WH told her to.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:56pm

      @ MONK .. I was channel “surfing” and saw the very old clips of Cheney and wondered “what the he!!” Nothing but campaigning for Obama on these shows .. luckily no one watches. They should have to declare their campaign contributions!

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:13pm

      @CatB
      “They should have to declare their campaign contributions!”

      Nothing to declare from the MSDNC staff. They’re not allowed. Ed Shultz was complaining about that about 2 weeks ago.

      The WH house barks and they follow ALL instructions. It’s all been free TV campaigning for the WH.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:22pm

    He should join him in jail and wait on him hand and foot forever.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:21pm

    It is not surprising, the Professor also says Achmed the Dead Terrorist is the Socrates of the decade, everytime he says “I Keel you”, it is reallly just a question to look deep into your soul and question your very existence……..booooom.

    But he also gets all of his news from the great journalist, Bill Maher and John Stewart. So, at least you know where he is coming from.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:17pm

    Yeah skidmark is a professor like I’m an astronaut.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • Politijack
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:17pm

    Professor in Dearborn Mich. writes of great respect for a convicted bomber…

    Who`d a thunk…

    Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:16pm

    “Lecturer” is a position that holds water ?

    There’s a hole in the bucket dear Liza.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • lukerw
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:14pm

    We are changing the Michigan Motto to: the Nihilist State!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • NHwinter
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:12pm

    Its time to clean house of all these wacko professors. They do not belong in America. Ship them all to Iran. There must be a better way to teach classes then what he comes up with, and still get a point across. Elevate the examples.

    Report Post » NHwinter  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:03pm

    I think I want to be sarcastic.

    Report Post »  
  • blanco5
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:02pm

    You had me convinced of stupidity at “michigan prof.”

    Report Post »  
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