Jul 21, 2008 8:00 am US/Central
Autism Groups Plan NYC Protest Of Michael Savage
Radio Jock Calls Autistic Children 'Brats,' 'Morons'
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Conservative radio host Michael Savage is about to feel the wrath of parents of children with autism. A massive protest is planned for Manhattan on July 21. (File)
AP
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, according to online reports from CBS station WCBS-TV in New York.
Critics 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.'"
Robbie Schwartzman is a 15-year-old with autism. His father, Martin 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," Martin Schwartzman said.
WCBS-TV reached out to Savage's producer, who did not respond for comments.
Martin Schwartzman, like many other parents with autistic children, is now calling on radio stations across the country to pull Savage from the airwaves.
"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 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."
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.
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