I just returned from Netroots Nation very late last night, and though we "liberal activist bloggers" were sometimes "in" the news, most of us didn't have much chance to follow the news. I won't be able to do so yet either, as I'll be at a camp all week working with children, many of whom fall on the autism spectrum.
When I was in Austin, I worked some in the Exhibitor Hall (for Northwest Progressive Institute), to help cover my registration. There I met the woman from Autism Speaks who set up the special diet for the child of Jenny McCarthy. Her book has been one of the latest to be widely read by parents of autistic children. This woman was there to amp up the attention being paid to the autism/vaccine controversy and to spotlight the positions of the Presidential candidates in the next election. The controversy has not been settled, and both candidates spoke without being fully aware of all of the issues.
At the same time, I heard about this:
Top Radio Host: Autism Is "A Fraud, a Racket"
Host Michael Savage Mocks Those Living with Autism and Smears Minorities with Asthma
Washington, DC - Media Matters for America today condemned nationally syndicated conservative radio host Michael Savage for incendiary comments directed at those who live with autism and their families. During the same broadcast, Savage, the No. 3 talk radio host in America, also attacked those in "the minority community" who suffer from asthma.
"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.' "
Savage also stated: "[W]hy was there an asthma epidemic amongst minority children? Because I'll tell you why: The children got extra welfare if they were disabled, and they got extra help in school. It was a money racket. Everyone went in and was told [fake cough], "When the nurse looks at you, you go [fake cough], "I don't know, the dust got me." "See, everyone had asthma from the minority community."
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.
So here are the action items, if you think this is ridiculous, cruel and destructive:
Find your local Savage Station, log into our calling tool and tell your Savage station manager what you think of Savage's tirade. There you can also hear the direct audio transcript (if you can stand it.)
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.
Your voice is critical in holding Savage accountable for his comments. I hope you take the time to call and tell those running the station exactly what you think of Michael Savage.
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