"For this lunatic Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary of England, to link me up with skinheads who are killing people in Russia, to put me in (the same) league with mass murderers who kill Jews on buses is defamation.
"I thought this was a joke or a mistake." He has a point. Jacqui Smith said the people who were banned were those whose views the country 'would not tolerate'.
But who is she to make that decision? While it is the job of the Home Secretary to ensure the security and safety of the nation, it is not for her to decree what we should hear and to whom we should listen.
Don't be silent! Sign the petition to block government attacks on freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
Savage responded to World Net Daily:
Talk radio host Michael Savage is considering legal action against Britain's top homeland security official after she released today a list grouping him with terrorists and neo-Nazi murderers banned from entry because the government believes their views might provoke violence.
In a telephone interview with WND, Savage said he is still waiting to hear back from attorneys, but he noted Britain has very strict anti-defamation laws.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she decided to publicize the list of 16 people banned since October to show the type of behavior Britain will not tolerate, according to U.K. news reports.
Savage's immediate reaction upon hearing the news was typically wry.
"Darn! And I was just planning a trip to England for their superior dental work and cuisine," he recalled thinking.
"Then it sank in," he told WND, "and I said, 'She said this is the kind of behavior we
won't tolerate? She's linking me with mass murderers who are in prison for killing Jewish children on buses? For my speech? The country where the Magna Carta was created?'"
Smith explained to Britain's GMTV that she believed it was "important that people understand the sorts of values and sorts of standards that we have here, the fact that it's a privilege to come and the sort of things that mean you won't be welcome in this country."
"Coming to this country is a privilege," she said. "If you can't live by the rules that we live by, the standards and the values that we live by, we should exclude you from this country and, what's more, now we will make public those people that we have excluded."
Savage said he wants top First Amendment attorneys to represent him "in a major international case."
"I want to sue the British home secretary for defamation," he said, "for linking me up with murderers because of my opinions, my writings, my speaking – none of which have advocated any violence, ever."
Savage said the last time he was in Britain was about 20 years ago, and he had no immediate plans to return.
The Independant reported yesterday:
Sixteen people banned from entering the UK were "named and shamed" by the Home Office today.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she decided to make public the names of 16 people banned since October so others could better understand what sort of behaviour Britain was not prepared to tolerate.
The list includes hate preachers, anti-gay protesters and a far- right US talk show host.
"I think it's important that people understand the sorts of values and sorts of standards that we have here, the fact that it's a privilege to come and the sort of things that mean you won't be welcome in this country," Ms Smith told GMTV.
"Coming to this country is a privilege. If you can't live by the rules that we live by, the standards and the values that we live by, we should exclude you from this country and, what's more, now we will make public those people that we have excluded.
"We are publishing the names of 16 of those that we have excluded since October. We are telling people who they are and why it is we don't want them in this country."
The United States of America grants us the opportunity to say what we feel and broadcast our beliefs. Unfortunately we have to extend this right to citizens like Michael Savage. Michael Savage has flashed his education like a badge to justify his idiotically sad ideas. I have the same level of education and have been very fortunate in life. I was not born that way I simply made this happen for myself and my family. I applaud Dr. Savage for his achievements and stand up for his right to freedom of speech. I am simply expressing my right to the same freedom. For the thousands of Americans who stand behind Dr. Savage, my heart goes out to you, you will never be allowed a moment to speak to your idol, for he loves to hear his voice to much to let you speak. For that matter my heart goes out to Dr. Savage. I cannot imagine living with so much hatred and disdain for everything in this life. Dr. Savage was fortunate enough to grasp a late night spot on national radio, thus allowing him to share this pessimistic view with all who listen.
ReplyDeleteI have to say BRAVO To the Brits, as well as Dr. Savage. Very well played … The Brits have done what they feel is right but have now given this personality a huge amount of free publicity. I do love the way all media works, no press is bad press. I got exactly what I expected from Dr. Savage. A yelling tantrum on national radio and a milking of this incident to the last drop… BRAVO Doc… I would love the opportunity to allow my two year old to join you one evening during one of his tantrums, although we may not be able to tell you two apart. We better get a strategy before we do that.
Dr. Savage is neither a leader nor anyone who should ever be granted anything more than, the creator of good radio drama. His show is simply radios version of the overdramatized and overacted reality shows we so love today. Anger and tantrums create a captive audience, and there is no one better to deliver those great acting skills as our Dr. Savage. I Thank God that our nations majority would never allow such a negative pessimistic person to lead our country, and I wish for Dr. Savage that he finds a more pleasant life and dedicates his national power of persuasion to a more positive approach.
“Put the spoon down, Dr. Savage, and leave the pot alone, we don’t need anyone else to stir it, but if we do, we know who is best fit for that task…”