Autism Groups Plan Protest Of Savage In NYC
Conservative Radio Jock Ignites Firestorm After Calling Autistic Children 'Brats,' 'Morons' On Syndicated Show
NEW YORK (CBS) ― Conservative radio host Michael Savage will have his hands full on Monday.In response to his controversial comments about children with autism, Autism United and angry parents will hold a major protest outside WOR Radio studios in Manhattan on Monday afternoon, CBS station WCBS-TV in New York City has learned.
They will be calling for the firing of the radio jock and asking for a boycott by parents of children with autism of all stations carrying his signal. Savage outraged the autism community recently by saying 99 percent of children suffering with autism are "brats" and "morons" on his national syndicated radio show.
Media Matters for America on Sunday condemned Savage for his comments.
"What Michael Savage said was foolish, mean-spirited, and hurtful," said J. Jioni Palmer, spokesman for Media Matters. "It's unfortunate he would use his radio program to make fun of and belittle these kids. Instead of ridicule and cheap shots, the children suffering from autism and asthma and their families need support and compassion."
During the July 16 edition of his show, Savage claimed that autism is "[a] fraud, a racket. ... I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is. What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot.' "
Talk Radio Network, which syndicates The Savage Nation, claims that Savage is heard on more than 350 radio stations. The Savage Nation reaches at least 8.25 million listeners each week, according to Talkers Magazine, making it one of the most listened-to talk radio shows in the nation, behind only The Rush Limbaugh Show and The Sean Hannity Show.
Over 2 million children and adults have autism. One out of every 150 children is diagnosed with autism today.
-Sure, everyone has a right to their opinion and are free to say what they wish. When someone this uneducated about autism spouts off and tries to make a mockery of my son's disability and my parenting skills, it seems like we have a right to a rebuttal. I wish I could attend tomorrow, but I will be following. Feels hard to let this one roll off.
Thanks to Mom for giving me the heads-up on this protest-I immediately went online to check out the scoop. And also thanks to Bobbie at Almost There for also linking the original statement by Savage. Those interested in what he actually said, scroll down a few posts.
9 comments:
Glad to hear that this is happening. I hope it has an impact.
Isn't this just about the most disgusting and revolting thing ever? I don't know if there is a station near where I live that carries his program -hmmm, there's a rarity -the benefit of living out in the boondocks and hills of central Pennsylvania where we can't pick up any AM stations on the radio! Not being able to hear this jackass spew his trash makes that all worth while!
Sorry I can't be in NY too, but I'm really glad to hear there will be a protest.
The think differently motto came from Casdok's English blog. You'll find it at: motherofshrek.blogspot.com. Her boys are older. She's been at this a long time.
That is outrageous!!!! I'm so angry just reading what he said. I hope he gets what he deserves.
Don't take it to heart, Linda. The guy is an absolute MORON.
While my Idiot comment still stands,I want to add one more thing-I wouldn't let anyone even think they are making a mockery of your parenting skills-All one has to do is spend 5 minutes with you guys and your boys and they can see what wonderful parents you are!
Michael and I always are amazed how well your boys are behaved and how well they listen.
Sad it had to come to this. Someone unfortunate to suffer what they do need compassion, not aspersions as these.
I'm anxious to hear how the demonstration turns out. I asked my daughter in NY if she'd heard, but she heard nothing. She has heard a little of his show, and says he is really a nasty person. I wonder if the station is just interested in that sort of thing and will do nothing?
One of my local stations had extended coverage of the protests. One Mom was showing the press pics of her son and telling about how he finally said hello when he entered a room. she was so sweet and strong and proud.
the spokesperson from Autism United was very articulate and calm.
they said Savage was going to have some of the parents on last night's show
OK - It's Tuesday now. I put a link on my blog including a very brief video showing a minute of the protest and a doctor speaking very briefly. Seven stations in Mississippi have dropped his show.
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