Follow up to savage story Protest

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http://wcbstv.com/topstories/michael.savage.autism.2.775519.html

Jul 20, 2008 11:59 pm US/Eastern

Autism Groups Plan Protest Of Savage In NYC

Conservative radio host Savage is about to feel the wrath of

parents of children with autism. A massive protest is planned for

Manhattan on July 21.

AP

Conservative Radio Jock Ignites Firestorm After Calling Autistic

Children 'Brats,' 'Morons' On Syndicated Show

Monday Rally Planned At WOR Studios In Manhattan

By JEFF CAPELLINI & LEE KUSHNIR, WCBSTV.com

NEW YORK (CBS) ¯ Conservative radio host 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 2 HD 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.

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.' "

Media Matters: Tack Action

Savage Nation Report (audio file)

Robbie Schwartzman is a 15-year-old from our area with autism. His

father, Schwartzman, says Savage's attack on autism is both

irresponsible and despicable.

" I couldn't understand why someone could be so heartless and so

insensitive, and also so ignorant for a national talk show host, "

Schwartzman said.

CBS 2 HD News reached out to Savage's producer, but no one returned

our calls or e-mails.

Schwartzman, like many other parents with autistic children,

is now calling on radio stations across the country to pull Savage

from the air waves.

" It was so hurtful to all individuals with disabilities, particularly

those with autism, but I really think he should be removed from the

air, " Schwartzman said.

Media Matters for America on Sunday condemned Savage for his

comments.

" What 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. "

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

Hannity Show.

Over 2 million children and adults have autism. One out of every 150

children is diagnosed with autism today.

Please stay with CBS 2 HD and wcbstv.com for more on this developing

story.