Savage Hate

When I caught wind of the controversy surrounding Michael Savage's incredibly ill-informed remarks about autism, I thought people were talking about Dan Savage, the gay sex columnist who writes "Savage Love." Turns out Michael Savage is a right wing talk radio host, which explains why I was unfamiliar with his work: I tend avoid these shitbirds like the plague, whether on the radio or on FOX News Channel, who apparently fired Savage a few years back for some particularly poisonous commentary. When FOX News cans you for being too much of a dick, you must really be a dick.

Anyway, here's what Mr. Savage said about the autistism epidemic on his nationally syndicated radio program:

"It's a fraud, a racket...In 99% 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.'"

This guy makes Imus sound like Gandhi. After his remarks spurred protests across the country, he then backpedaled with a mealy-mouth denial that was in no way an apology:

"My comments about autism were meant to boldly awaken parents and children to the medical community's attempt to label too many children or adults as 'autistic.' Many children are being victimized by being diagnosed with an 'illness' which may not exist in all cases... Let the truly autistic be treated. Let the falsely diagnosed be free."

Inspired rhetoric, you hate-mongering ass-clown.