Dad Saves America Michael Shellenberger on ICE Protests, Censorship Threats, and His Radical Past in Venezuela
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Jan 16, 2026 
Michael Shellenberger, a journalist and author noted for his insights on energy and free speech, shares his fascinating journey from radicalism to advocacy. He discusses the psychology behind modern activism and critiques anti-ICE protests, emphasizing their lack of genuine problem-solving. Reflecting on his experiences in Venezuela, he highlights the corrupting nature of socialism. Shellenberger also addresses the dangers of censorship and the role of elites in controlling information, advocating for a strong defense of free speech in today’s polarized landscape.
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Rising Student Support For Political Violence
- Michael Shellenberger warns that a third of college students now say violence may be justified to stop a campus speaker, signaling deep radicalization.
- He argues this shift is an existential problem for the country's future leadership and civic stability.
Revolution As Street Theater And Identity
- Shellenberger describes modern protest as performative "theater in the streets" where revolution becomes the primary goal.
- He ties radical activism to narcissism, grandiosity, and a spiritual void left by secularization.
Heroic Narrative Justifies Risky Protest
- Activists often view enforcement officers as equivalent to fascists, framing resistance as heroic opposition to an existential threat.
- That moral framing normalizes willingness to risk violence in the name of stopping perceived fascism.
