We have been following the ban imposed on conservative radio host Michael Savage by England — barring him from entry into the country. England now appears to have reaffirmed the decision and accuses Savage of promising to retract some of his statements and failing to do so. While I strongly disagree with many of Savage’s statements, I view the ban as part of a disturbing trend limiting free speech in the West and particularly in England.
In the communication below, Treasury Solicitor Michael Atkins tells counsel for Savage that he previously assured the government that Savage would repudiate some of his comments on his website. It also says that Savage promised to appeal the earlier decision and failed to do so.
Savage was informed last July that the Cameron administration would continue the prior ban on his entry into the country unless he repudiated statements made on his broadcasts that were considered a threat to public security. The very notion of ideas being a threat to public safety is the hallmark of censorship and governmental abuse. While then–British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith insisted that it is “important that people understand the sorts of values and sorts of standards that we have here,” he omitted free speech.
The most recent letter is equally disturbing. It puts the burden on Savage to show that his ideas are not a threat to public security — a ridiculous burden when the only way to do so appears to be the repudiation of his beliefs and ideas. England has moved rapidly against free speech guarantees with comparably little protest. There does not even to be much of a national debate despite the fundamental shift on individual rights. We need to support those civil libertarians in England who are fighting this lonely battle — often on behalf of unpopular individuals like Savage.
Here is the letter: Savage letter
Jonathan Turley
Puzzling,
Great link to Savage’s shout out to Prof. Turley! I think Savage should pay professor Turley royalties for reading almost his entire article!
Hey, Brits, want our blacks, Mexicans and Muslims? Despite what you hear from our pet media whores, we don’t need any more. You can have all of ours and more.
puzzling,
Thanks.
That was worth listening to for the laughable “fascist” rant at the end.
JT – here was your mention by Michael Savage today:
“Michael Savage” never earned a doctorate. There is no earned doctorate with that pseudonym on it. Michael Alan Weiner earned a Ph.D. in something called “nutritional ethnomedicine.” So, it is inappropriate to refer to the pseudonym as Dr. Savage because there is no such person. I have no problem with his real name being used, since Dr. Weiner earned a Ph.D., however, in the academic world, Ph.D. holders are usually referred to as “Mr.”
Buddha Is Listening To The High Pitched Collective Whine Of The Savage Nation’s Blood Pressure Spiking
Personally, I think there should be a new diagnosis for mental disorders: TRDTS.
Talk Radio Dipshit Troll Syndrome – people who with the delusional belief that talk radio dipshits are some kind of prophet or truthsayer instead of the shit disturbing troublemakers that their niche in the entertainment world requires.
People like Savage and Rush would tell you puppies cause AIDS and cookies are the cause of the downfall of democracy in this country if they thought it would get you to turn in. They have no center whatsoever and will play any way they think the wind is blowing their target audience. They play to your innate insecurities and bias and they play you, their audience, like the bunch of suckers incapable of independent thought you really are; just salivating like Pavlov’s dog waiting to be told what to think next.
Too bad for you lot you stumbled across a blog populated with people trained to be critical thinkers and some who are just naturally gifted at it.
I now return you to your scheduled flash mob meeting of The Michael Savage Mutual Masturbation Club.
james,
Make no mistake. If you’ll read and comprehend this:
“The Savage has a right to say what he wants.
He has a right to ridiculed for it as well.
He also has the right to suffer unintended consequences of his bigotry and stupidity.
Being a douche bag isn’t against the law.”
I am agreeing with the Prof. that his right to free speech should be defended. Just as yours should be defended.
I’m also saying that you have the right to be called a douche bag for being a douche bag.
You also have the right to be reviled for being a hateful ass like Michael Savage. I don’t hate him. I despise the things he says because they are myopic and bigoted. There is a difference.
_______
Double Shot In the Foot,
“Go back and read the posts. Its quite clear that I did not “assert” that you agree with him. Duh. Put down the tar, weirdo. I said that your too sensitive (wink wink) to have a factual debate. Go ahead, try to repute even ONE of Savage’s quotes. I doubt you could put a cohesive argument together.”
Oooo. A slur on my sexuality (like I didn’t catch that the first time, idiot). How positively closeted of you, sugarpants! Sorry, but much to your disappointment, I save my lovin’ for the ladies.
“Every goddamn thing a child does is now thrown into the autism spectrum. How is that possible?”
This isn’t a cogent statement. It’s hyperbole.
“Where did this illness come from?”
This isn’t a cogent argument. It is an argument from ignorance. Arguments from ignorance are a form of logical fallacy.
Autism is a disease that no one knows the precise cause of yet. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t real. The genealogy of autism is complex and only partially understood, but the research suggests that it is a spectrum of disorders (referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASD) that manifests in a similar fashion but can arise from multiple causes just like other developmental disabilities like fetal alcohol syndrome and that I’m sure to your enlightened mind you still call “retarded”. Got that? A genetic component that can be aggravated/exacerbated by various environmental factors that manifest in similar ways.
Although the use of vaccines has gained the most attention as a possible environmental factor of autism, recent research in that area has proven that to be a blind alley. Current research is focusing on prenatal viral infection as the principal non-genetic cause of autism. Specifically exposure to rubella (which causes congenital rubella syndrome), cytomegalovirus or other viruses that activate the mother’s immune response and greatly increases the risk for autism. Concurrently, another theory is showing promise that is related to the autoimmune disease model called the maternal antibody theory. That theory states that immunoglobulin G from the mother’s body passes through the placenta and attacks proteins as they form in the developing brain. In addition, there is also research suggesting links between diabetes, epilepsy and older age pregnancies and the development of autistic spectrum disorders. These are just a few of the many avenues science is researching related to the causes of autism, but the fact that they haven’t narrowed down the causes yet is not surprising. At one time, people thought influenza was caused by evil spirits and that phrenology was a valid way to diagnose mental disorders. Learning, that thing which Michael Savage and his listeners are so bad at, is an ongoing process. Science is the very pinnacle of continuing education by the very nature of its methods.
“There are children who are genuinely autistic but not to the extent the medical establishment has claimed.”
This isn’t a fact on “Dr.” Savage’s part. This is an opinion. As to the epidemiology of autism, “the extent the medical establishment has claimed” ASD exists? There are several factors to consider.
1) The definition of ASD is emergent.
2) Epidemiology is the measure of several metrics:
a) incidence rate – the rate at which new cases occurred per person-year,
b) cumulative incidence – the proportion of a population that became new cases within a specified time period,
c) point prevalence – the proportion of a population that had the condition at a single point in time,
d) period prevalence – proportion of a population that had the condition at any time within a stated period
e) These metrics all relate to a key metric – changes with time.
3) Because the diagnosis is emergent, many children previously misdiagnosed with learning disabilities are now diagnosed with ASD.
4) The key defining factors of ASD is chronic abnormalities of brain development and behavior which become apparent before a child is three years old, has a steady course with no remission and is characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behavior. “Autism” – or properly “Classical Autism” – is but one of the diagnoses within the ASD group which includes Asperger’s Syndrome, atypical autism (PDD-NOS), Rett syndrome and Childhood Degenerative Disorder.
5) According to research done by the Autism Society of North Carolina, “(ASD) is the second most common developmental disability following mental retardation. ASD is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis combined. It is estimated that up to 1 out of every 110 children born today has some form of ASD. This means that approximately 1.5 million Americans (children and adults) have ASD today, and that more than 15 million Americans (loved ones, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals) are directly impacted by the disorder.
6) Numerous studies have shown a marked increase in ASD diagnosis since the 1980’s (changes over time) but part of this is due to the emergent diagnostic with some of the increase coming from previous misdiagnoses being corrected. This variance, however, does not change the overall upward trend in diagnosis over time.
“The same with ADD and ADHD. A kid whines and the medical-pharmaceutical establishment says, “Medicate, medicate. Treat, treat. Your child is sick, poor baby.” These kids aren’t sick! It’s the system that’s sick.”
Again, this is not a cogent argument. This is not only argumentum ad ignorantium, that ol’ logical fallacy rearing its ugly head again, it is a false equivalence. A false equivalence is not only a logical fallacy, it is more commonly known as a lie.
7) ADD/ADHD is not part of the ASD grouping. It is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder primarily characterized by the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone and symptoms starting before seven years of age.
8) The causes of ADD/ADHD are largely genetic with the candidate genes all affecting serotonin production and transport and some argue that it is a genetic relic caused by speciation when humans adapted to agrarian lifestyles over hunter-gather lifestyles (the Hunter-Farmer theory). There are some theories that this genetic predisposition can be aggravated by environmental factors. In addition, ADD/ADHD are often comorbid with other disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder (35% and 26% of all cases respectively – both characterized by antisocial behaviors such as stubbornness, aggression, frequent temper tantrums, deceitfulness, lying, or stealing),borderline personality disorder, primary disorder of vigilance (characterized by poor attention and concentration, as well as difficulties staying awake), mood disorders, bipolar disorder (25% of all children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD have BPD), anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This polyglot of commonly comorbid pathologies can make diagnosis of ADD/ADHD problematic, however, according to the AMA the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are based on extensive research and, if applied appropriately, lead to the diagnosis with high reliability.
9) The prevalence of ADD/ADHD is far higher than ASD. ADD/ADHD was 34 per 1,000 in the U.S. during the late 1990’s. Contrast with the prevalence of ASD at 1 in 110 – which translates to be 9 in 1,000 – and you’ll see that while ASD is a rising trend in epidemiological terms it is no where near as prevalent as ADD/ADHD.
In summation, “Dr.” Savage’s statements are misinformed opinions based on arguments made out of ignorance and false equivalences. He couldn’t argue his way out of wet paper bag. Not only are ASD and ADD/ADHD not diagnostically the same, they are not epidemiologically the equivalent either. These kids are sick, they are sick with distinctly different illnesses. Savage Mikey’s lack of knowledge about the epidemiology of the illnesses notwithstanding.
There’s your one.
How pathetic that England attracts the losers of the world embracing them as they call for her death, while she is bans an erudite scholar such as Dr. Michael Savage. England deserves everything she gets, because she stifles truth in favor of appeasement. I will never ever step foot in Enlgand again. I was there in 2000 and I thought it was a sewer compared to what it was when I went to school there in the 60’s.
And no OUR future is not going to be a futre without free speech or our civil human rights freedom. NOT AN OPTION.
Shine on Dr. Savage shine on you crazy diamond, shine on!!!
How about “britan upholds weiner ban in there country”?
The correct name of this article should be “britain says no weiner in there country allowed”
Savage is a national treasure, thank goodness I live in the US, still the most free country on the planet even Dems trying to break everything they touch and clamp down on “uncivil” speech.
Buddah boy, the funny thing about what you refer to in order to justify your hatred, well, they just make you look ill informed. Nothing you refer to is untrue, you just don’t agree with it. THere in the problem with those who hate liberty, free expression and yes, the uncomfortable truth. What Savage doesn’t say, because he knows all of the head in the sand libs would lose their minds (even more than already), is that all of these things you think he’s wrong about? Well, he’s pointing out the evil that promulgates itself in this world. He is a man who recognizes the works of the enemy, and isn’t afraid to stand against those who promote evil works. The adversary hates truth, those who follow the adversary hare the truth… Savage isn’t always right, but he right far more often than wrong. Now, you call this truth hate speech. An imam or political leader advocating death to Israel you would defend. Who exactly is wrong in this debate? The sad thing is, all you confused followers of the adversary are inconsistent in your beliefs and opinons. you are muddled, confused, babbling.
shouldn’t the title of this post be
ENGLAND BANS WEINER
Double Head Shot,
Savage calls liberals “vermin,” “rats” and “filth” for a reason. What is it?
Jeff, this is vermin defined:
1. destructive animals or insects: small animals or insects that harm people, livestock, property, or crops and are difficult to control, e.g. rats, weasels, fleas, or cockroaches
2. offensive term: an offensive term for a person or group considered to be extremely unpleasant or undesirable
I am sure he was referring to #2. Its insane for you to conclude that he wants to “kill” all progressive vermin. Your starting to sound like the British Government.
Rusty, if i was a liberal, i would say what is with your “hate” speech.
Listen, don’t you put words in the mouth of Savage supporters when obviously you are not one.
This Savage listener likes Savage for many reasons:
One, HE IS NOT REPUBLICAN GOOD; DEMOCRAT BAD OR DEMOCRAT BAD, REPUBLICAN GOOD! That is the problem with our system. We have been a country of two teams. The Founders NEVER envisioned a two party system, they envisioned representative government! A two party system is only one party better than a communist one party systems.
Two, he is very intelligent and has a very interesting history. How many books has Hannity, Limbaugh, others written that are not just rants against Democrats? Savage has written books not only political, but fiction, science.
Three, he is very funny.
Four, we love to here his life stories.
Five, HE DOES NOT JUST SPEND THE ENTIRE PROGRAM ON POLITICS! He, mixes politics with interesting life stories.
Six, he is says it the way he sees it; he does not hold any punches.
Seven, he is a Patriot and loves this country.
Eight, Teddy!!!!!!
I’d like to note a few articles that have been written documenting Savage’s anti-semitic rhetoric: http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=1148 and http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2004/spring/the-rating-game
Savage himself is quick to point out that words have consequences. Anyone who will listen to his show for a brief period of time will hear Savage routinely call liberals “vermin.” What do we do with vermin? Anyone?
Hey Chucky Darwin (AKA Michael Savage) nobody is saying that Savage (AKA you) does not speak the truth. Most of the people that are posting are saying that he has a big mouth that gets himself in trouble and Britian just doesnt want to deal with that. And stop playing like you are on the air live for 3 hours, everyone knows that you tape the last hour and insert clips from previous shows. Your listeners arent as stupid as you think.
Buddha said, “…your assertion that quoting somebody is the equivalent of agreeing with them…”
Go back and read the posts. Its quite clear that I did not “assert” that you agree with him. Duh. Put down the tar, weirdo. I said that your too sensitive (wink wink) to have a factual debate. Go ahead, try to repute even ONE of Savage’s quotes. I doubt you could put a cohesive argument together.