UBC prof seeks NDP nomination in Vancouver. Over to you, ratemyprofessors.com

Dr. Byers, the Canadian Research Chair in International Law and Politics at UBC, told the Ubyssey that the decision to attempt the leap from academic to politician had “a great deal to do with my children.”

“Twenty to thirty years from now, I’ll be looking back at what I’ve been able to leave behind for my kids, and I know that simply being a professor is not all that I can do…I want this to be my contribution to the next generation,” he said.

Byers, who holds five degrees, including a doctorate of philosophy from Oxford University, is widely known as a fierce critic of Canadian foreign policy.

Since arriving at UBC in July of 2004, he has written at length at what he believes is the complicity of Canada in allowing transferred detainees in Afghanistan to be tortured. He has also spoken out critically on arctic sovereignty, international law, and human rights. Last year, Byers wrote the book Intent for a National: What is Canada For?, which became a national bestseller.

Poor Quality

I could say that Byers was great, but that lie to mankind would put me in a bracket with the likes of Nixon. If you enjoy hearing a man ramble on about his inane and unresearched opinions in a spirit of fierce arogance, then by all means take this wretched class. But be prepared to be wrong about everything, even in topics that Byers doesn't know.

Byers has this vision of himself as a brilliant, avant-garde professor who says the things that others are too dumb to realize or too scared to express. If he really were as good as he thinks he is, than he would be the best person on earth. Unfortunately, in the real world he's just a very arrogant and mediocre professor - far from UBC's best.

Best professor in the department. He has vision; he's inspiring; and passionate. He's so incredibly talented... I wish he were teaching more courses. Also pleasant to look at. *sigh* I wish he weren't married.