Media Matters Responds To Michael Savage Threats, Cyberstalking (VIDEO)

Yesterday, I mentioned that talk radio host Michael Savage had decided to engage in a tidy bit of web-stalking of his critics at Media Matters, threatening to put up the pictures and "pertinent information" of the organization's employees. That seemed to be an odd thing to do! Given the fact that Media Matters has been driving an argument of late, the premise of which was that right-wing media hosts had been trafficking in a sort of speech intended to incite violence and intimidation. It's sort of a bad move for Savage to step up and help prove their point. But that's what he's done, for reasons beyond understanding!

Anyway, the media watchdog has responded with one of their patented mash-up videos, intercutting an appearance Savage made on CNN with statements he's made on his own show. The juxtaposition is pretty striking! On CNN, Savage makes a labored attempt to come across as a perfectly normal guy whose church teachings forbid homosexuality and whose opinions on illegal immigration are in sync with mainstream America. But then, the next minute, on his own show, he's freaking out about "puffy-faced" men kissing. Oh, and he seems awfully threatened about multiculturalism, for some reason, shrieking about burning the Mexican flag.

Anyway, Media Matters doesn't seem too intimidated by this guy and given the fact that he doesn't seem to have any courageous convictions, it's pretty easy to see why.

[WATCH]

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Comments

[Mangler]

Man, it must get tiring being so full of rage all the time.

And the insidious garbage Savage spews isn't just hateful (or hate-filled), it's dangerous. I'm a Canuck so I'm spared from having this lunatic pollute my radio airwaves, but can't the FCC do something about this?

Free speech is not absolute. When you incite hatred and violence, you've stepped over the line (how many more physician and Holocaust museum shootings are you willing to tolerate before recognizing that one of the motivating factors in these acts of violence is the right-wing rhetoric uttered by Savage, O'Reilly et al?)

[solarian]

savage why don't you threaten me you would not like it when i get mad punk

[rattler99]

oooohhhhhh, you thilly thavage - tho tuff!!

[jerryfromcalifornia]

The ones with the bigest mouths are the first to run, cry and hide. Where do you hide?

[Harpo1129]

The first amendment guarantees the right to free speech it’s true but there are boundaries to that amendment. You cannot yell “FIRE” in a crowded theater for instance. Any person who incites other to do harm to anyone crosses that same line no matter what media it is done through. With free speech comes responsibility. And there is a huge difference between free speech and IRRESPONSIBLE speech. Savage, Hannity, Limbaugh, Colter and the rest of their ilk, or anyone else for that matter, who spout hate speech should be fined and/or arrested for spewing that hate speech. Period.

[obamanomics]

so............ free speech just so long as it ia agreeable to you then.

[rattler99]

exacly - what a bunch of hypoctites - remeber Air America spouting hate speech - thankfully, they went bankrupt - this is the type of speech we'll get from ex-employee Al Franken if that slug ever gets to the Senate - sure doesn't say much for the twits who voted for him

[Sepulchre]

No. However there are actually laws that say when free speech crosses the line. We do actually have them here, actually come to think of it most modern countries have such laws. Perhaps there is a good reason?

Freedom of speech works both ways, I often wonder why people forget that. People can pretty much (with the exception of some laws) say what they want. People who don't agree with them have an equal right to say what they want. Just because someone disagrees with you, on either side of an argument does not mean they are violating your right to free speech. It defies logic.

[protagonia]

Of course we do not agree with you. What are you, 9 years old??

"so............ free speech just so long as it ia agreeable to you then."??

We respond to your insults here, and they have been insults that not one of you is man enough to own up to having made. TroIIs start the fight each round and one of us finishes it for you. "so............ free speech just so long as it ia agreeable to you then."??You are not even smart enough to realize that if I read your post, then your speech if free. You do not like dissenting responses, but you invite them every time so here they come, now and forever. Back and forth, over and over. As long as YOU show up, someone like me shows up. THAT is the part you dislike. Too bad. A bully's existence here is not supposed to be fun, but just the opposite, in fact. We will see to it, with your unwitting assistance.

Aw.

:(

[protagonia]

More to the point, he is not "agreeable" with federal law.

[Harpo1129]

Hey genius, did you NOT read the line:

“And there is a huge difference between free speech and IRRESPONSIBLE speech.”

Free speech is for all who do not abuse it. Inciting violence against someone is not free speech, it’s IRRESPONSIBLE SPEECH. Get it? Or do you need someone to write it out in crayon for you.

Typical right wing response. Did you learn to cherry pick only what you want to see from Hannity?

[macaac]

He is, after all, just a savage wiener.

[NickCatal]

I see nothing wrong or hypocritical with what he is stating. The CNN interview is all about his personal views not as an entertainer but instead as a person in popular culture.

All these conservatives with media outlets play themselves up to be more entertaining when they are on their own show. It is just that there are some people in America who cling to their every word, which is the most disturbing thing of all.

[CompliantMedia]

When fellow conservative commentators Bill O'Reilly and Bernard Goldberg criticize you as being too extreme perhaps it is time to rethink your shtick.

[Scent]

Savage is not only true to his name. He is the perfect example of modern day fanatics.

Years ago I wonered "why does everyone who is not in line with everything America does a fanatic?". It took me a while to figure out that calling other people fanatics has not one but two very sane reasons:

1. If you want to make some act that seems ridiculously insane on first sight and that You had an influence in but want to blame on others fanaticism is all You need. From that word on there need not be sane logic behind an act. It explains everything You don't want people to think about too clearly.

2. And more importantly: It hides your own fanaticism to call others fanatics. Because to those who listen to You and believe You it says that You are the one who figured out the reason for something that is hard to explain.

Savage is a fanatic of the first order. And You can see that every time he talks on platforms where more than his believers listen. He seems to be right wing but sane, settled, and able to explain his views. When he can be sure most of those who listen are believers he shows who he really is.

Here's a scary thought: Give Cheney, Wolfowitz, Brzesinski, and others a radion show where they can rant anonymously. Care to guess what they would show of themselves?

[onepotatotwopotato]

If you don't believe in shooting abortion doctors just don't shoot any.

[rich misty]

http://www.examiner.com/x-4317-Denver-Roman-Catholic-Examiner~y2009m6d9-Pastor-who-prayed-for-Tillers-death-now-prays-for-death-of-the-president

Pastor Drake was a Prayer Warrior for Operation Rescue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GeXVKb2hbM

He is now praying for the death of the President of the United States of America.

[Donns]

But don't push those who are impressionable into doing it either.

[obamanomics]

So....don't push impressionable young women into getting an abortion either i'm guessing is your stance.

[protagonia]

That would be their goal. Ours is to ruin their goals every step of the way, within the bounds of legality. That part is why we are better people than them by a long distance.

[protagonia]

Are you pathetically trying to use "Freedom and Rights" to excuse what you want? This is a prime example of how the Simples like you see things. You are actually this damaged, actually this cruel and heartless. I only wish for you the inability to do harm to others. You, wish only harm. Makes you look like what you are, a danger to all around you.

[protagonia]

You choose to believe in that?

Red Flag HERE!

[proudcalib]

Speaking of puffy faced white guys. Savage is a scary mary.

[rich misty]

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/06/no-bail-for-supremacist-held-for-threats-to-judges.html

I am reposting this because it directly relates: Hal Turner's court appearance did not go too well. Considered a threat to society, right wing blogger and internet radio host is denied bail.

http://www.newshounds.us/2008/03/23/neo_naziwhite_supremacist_hal_turner_confirms_friendship_and_kinship_with_sean_hannity.php

[rich misty]

You might want to compare Hal Turner to the following:

http://www.slate.com/id/2125106/ -Pat Robertson

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=2407 -Ann Coulter

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x164225

And Fox News ^^

[rattler99]

why?

[marco01]

Sounds like it went great to me:)

[RowJimmy]

U guys are really mature calling him weiner. That's probly why he changed his name.

[Bettysdad]

I have a cousin named weiner by marriage. She never saw need to change it.

[pfc1369]

He changed his name because he was being called by his name?

That's brilliant, pal.

[rattler99]

so how come Jon Stewart changed his name from Liebowitz?

[protagonia]

He earned it, Acid Head.

[marco01]

He's freaking out about puffy faced men kissing? Wait, I think we have another puffy faced rethuglican in the closet!

[Sepulchre]

I think people who are so in favor of hate speach, anyone, including Savage, hates so much they don't know anything else. They are broken people.

[cbat]

Way to go Media Matters.

[johnr49]

Hal Turner's court appearance: Considered a threat to society, right wing blogger and internet radio host is denied bail.

OK Savage, you're next!

[rattler99]

no doubt an airhead lefty activist judge whose ruling will yet again be overturned

[protagonia]

When are you correct, ever?

[CynAnne]

I wonder how the battle to be removed from the United Kingdom's "Banned" list is working out for Mr. Wiener-Savage right about now? I'm sure with reasoned, moderate opinions like the ones we just heard on the video, he should be traveling abroad anytime (*snark*)..! ;) ...