Social media has existed in its current form for almost a decade now, and yet, people are still stupid enough to fire off Tweets without considering the consequences.
Take this guy, for example. Professor Ken Storey is a teacher at the University of Tampa, and despite the fact that he’s been certified to educate America’s future, he can’t quite wrap his head around the stupidity of suggesting an unprecedented natural disaster is a karmic punishment for voting for Donald Trump.
via ABC:
University of Tampa Assistant Sociology professor Kenneth Storey came under fire for a series of tweets that implied the weather catastrophe in Texas was “karma.”
The entire tweet from Sunday night stated, “I don’t believe in instant Karma but this kinda feels like it for Texas. Hopefully, this will help them realize the GOP doesn’t care about them.” According to the screen grabs from tweets that have since been deleted, Storey responded back, “Yep, those who voted for him here deserve it as well.”
Late Monday night, Storey apologized on his twitter account saying “I deeply regret a statement I posted yesterday. I never meant to wish ill will upon any group. I hope all affected by Harvey recover quickly.”
https://twitter.com/klstorey/status/902290417085026307
Professor Storey also released a lengthier statement to ABC:
I apologize for the the tweets. My intention was never to offend anyone. This was a series of tweets taken out of context. I was referring to the GOP denial of climate change science and push to decrease funds from agencies that can help in a time like this. I hope all affected by the storm are safe and recover quickly. I also hope this helps the GOP realize the need to support climate change research and put in place better funding for agencies like NOAA and FEMA.
I’ve been clear with that through various tweets that followed the initial tweet. It is hard to express one’s full thoughts in 140 characters and I realize that taken out of context some tweets may sound extremely off-putting. I never intended it to be that.
The University of Tampa has since released a statement on Storey, saying he’s been relieved of his duties:
via University of Tampa:
On Sunday, Aug. 27, visiting assistant professor of sociology Kenneth Storey made comments on a private Twitter account that do not reflect UT’s community views or values. We condemn the comments and the sentiment behind them, and understand the pain this irresponsible act has caused.
Storey has been relieved of his duties at UT, and his classes will be covered by other sociology faculty.
As Floridians, we are well aware of the destruction and suffering associated with tropical weather. Our thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
To suggest that people are losing their homes and lives as karma for voting for a Presidential candidate is not only stupid, it’s irresponsible. While family members are currently struggling to contact their loved ones, Professor Storey is making snide remarks on Twitter from the comfort of his dry home (presumably).
Look, I hate President Trump as much as the next guy, but to suggest that people are losing their entire livelihoods over a political decision is as idiotic as it gets.
https://twitter.com/UofTampa/status/902238316598366208
