Rep. Doyle on Autism and Michael Savage
Thursday, July 24th, 2008 by Jesse LeeRep. Mike Doyle (PA-14), a passionate advocate in the fight against autism, denounces recent remarks by radio host Michael Savage on the floor:
Rep. Doyle: “Mr. Savage claimed that many diagnosed cases of autism were fraudulent and that, quote ‘In 99% of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut out the act. They don’t have a father around to tell them, don’t act like a moron,’ unquote. Mr. Speaker, I’ve known a number of families dealing with autism over the years and I can tell you unequivocally that none of the children with autism I’ve met fit that deplorable description — but don’t take my word for it. There’s been decades of peer-resued studies on autism and the evidence is clear, autism spectrum disorders are real and affect over one million people today. If Mr. Savage wants to see a moron, I suggest he look in the mirror.” |
Protesters Decry Radio Commentator Michael Savage’s Remarks About Autism
Fox News - July 22, 2008
Protesters gathered outside WOR-AM in New York City on Monday over syndicated radio commentator Michael Savage’s remarks last Wednesday describing “99 percent of children with autism as brats.”
Some parents of autistic children have called for Savage’s firing after he described autism as a racket last week. “In 99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out,” Savage said on his radio program.
Savage offered no apology in a message posted Monday on his Web site. He said greedy doctors and drug companies were creating a “national panic” by overdiagnosing autism, a mental disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate.
On his radio show last week, he said: “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, you idiot.’”