DM Revealed and Arrested

If you've ever read my blog, you might have seen a comment by a guy who signs his comments as DM. Apparently, he's gone way beyond the few bits of weirdness he's posted here. He's gone after PZ Myers, Michael Shermer, Phil Plait, Richard Dawkins among numerous others (I feel I'm in pretty good company).

He occasionally signed some of his posts as David Mabus but I found that his real name is Dennis Markuze. Normally, someone like this wouldn't even be a blip on my radar. However his rants on some sites have gone as far as death threats and someone finally decided to do something about it. He has been arrested for making these threats. The full story can be found HERE.

The picture in that article was taken at the Atheists Alliance International Convention when it was held in Montreal. Shortly after someone pulled a fire alarm, he was seen ranting and arguing incoherently with some of the convention's attendees. The fact that he would go to this convention to confront people face to face shows just how dangerous a person like this can be.

Do a quick web search for David Mabus and you'll see why I'm glad this person is in custody. He's a danger to others and to himself.

My Debating Commandments

I often find myself debating a wide variety of topics. More than occasionally, I find that my opponent in a debate will violate some basic rules I apply to myself. I've decided to codify my personal rules for debating:

1. Although I may disagree with others' beliefs or perspectives, I will respect their rights to hold these beliefs unless they are used to harm, harass or oppress.


2. When engaged in debate, I will argue against ideas, not people.


3. I will not respond with violence or threats of violence.


4. My words and ideals will be reflected in my daily affairs.


5. Whenever and wherever possible, I will support my statements with concrete, independently verifiable evidence.


6. I will not confuse opinion with fact.


7. When citing a source, I will not use selections designed to misrepresent the intent of the author.


8. If the opposing side in a debate concedes a point, I will not belabor that point nor will I consider it to make their entire position invalid.


9. I will try to remember at all times that although my opponent may not be right, I might be wrong and that there may be alternatives that neither of us has considered.


10. I must accept that silencing an opponent doesn't mean that he/she has been convinced.

So, here's the deal, folks. If you wish to engage in debate with me, follow those rules. Otherwise, we've got nothing to discuss.