America’s best-kept secret of 2009: Michael Savage and His Ban from Britain
Gina Miller
One of the most fascinating things about America’s third most popular talk radio host is that he doesn’t seem to exist — that is, if you don’t listen to his show, you might not hear his name mentioned anywhere else. He is reviled by the left, blacklisted by the mainstream media, and his name is hardly spoken publicly by those on the right. He is Dr. Michael Savage, independent conservative and monarch of the Savage Nation, heard weekdays coast to coast.
Savage is a bit like scotch, either you love him or you loathe him. His words are appealing or appalling, depending on your politics and your disposition. His estimated 10 million weekly listeners eagerly await Savage’s forceful and fiery pronouncements against the wickedness in political high places. He is an equal-opportunity criticizer, with those on the right taking darts along with those on the left, although the left receives the brunt of his brutal honesty. His distinctive voice speaks for millions of Americans, as those in Washington try in vain to tune it out.
Christian listeners of the Savage Nation cringe when Savage delves into theology with his “wheel theory” that all religions, as spokes on a wheel, lead to God, at the hub — that all religions are equally valid — a theory with which Christians couldn’t disagree more. Many Christians stay tuned, however, not for his theological analysis, but for his eagle-eyed take on American and world politics.
One of the biggest, most buried and under-reported stories of last year is the shocking move in early May by then-Home Secretary of Britain, Jaqui Smith, to announce the inexplicable inclusion of Savage’s name on a list of people who would be denied entry into the United Kingdom if they attempted to visit. What’s astonishing is that the list was made up of murdering Muslim terrorists, brutal nazi skinheads and Michael Savage, a law-abiding American citizen and prolific author, who has two masters degrees and a Ph.D.
Why was Savage put on this list? His radio show is not broadcast in the U.K. The Home Secretary was apparently given a few soundbites of Savage on the air, which were taken out of context to make Savage sound like he was saying things he didn’t say. She then pointed to those soundbites to declare Savage a danger to Britain’s welfare. In addition, she publicly stated that Savage had incited people to commit acts of violence — a completely untrue assertion.
This led to Savage seeking legal counsel against the British Home Office, and there is no resolution as of yet. This action by the British government in falsely accusing and banning an upstanding American citizen from their shores is an outrageous direct attack on freedom of speech. It sets a scary precedent. Savage was not banned because he is a criminal or a terrorist — he was banned for his opinions, his speech.
In his latest book, “Banned in Britain: Beating the Liberal Blacklist,” Savage details the whole sordid story, including his suspicion — as yet unproven — of collusion between the Obama administration, Media Matters for America and the British government. He cites his appeal to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton — an appeal to which Savage has received no reply. His book is well-written in Savage’s talented wordsmith style. He not only tells his story, but he also goes on to trace how we came to be in this politically correct America with unconstitutional Washington power grabs, and the dangers we all face as a result.
What makes this injustice against Michael Savage more chilling is how, with a few exceptions, it was such a “non-story,” not just to the American mainstream media — which we would expect — but also to many outlets on the right. Fox News gave Savage’s story barely more than a couple of brief mentions, but not until days after the story broke, and then, likely only after pressure from viewers. However, it was well-covered in Britain, and Savage was interviewed on a number of British programs and given a chance to defend himself against the false allegations.
Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity had nothing to say about it. Of course, Savage’s history of insulting fellow conservative talkers is probably the reason they did not speak out in his defense. However, this story and its implications are much bigger than petty insults by rivals. This goes to the dangerous heart of political correctness. Limbaugh and Hannity certainly should understand that the leftists currently in power in Washington are the same types that run the Labour Party government in Britain — neither can tolerate criticism of their anti-freedom agenda.
If this ban is allowed to stand, with tacit approval by Washington, it sends a very dark message that we all must “watch what we say,” lest we offend those in power. Suppression of free expression is a hallmark of every dictatorship.
The significance of the British ban of Dr. Michael Savage can be seen in the timeless words of Winston Churchill, as quoted in Savage’s book:
“No socialist government conducting the entire life and industry of the country could afford to allow free, sharp, or violently worded expressions of public discontent. They would have to fall back on some form of Gestapo, no doubt very humanely directed in the first instance. And this would nip opinion in the bud; it would stop criticism as it reared its head, and it would gather all the power to the supreme party and the party leaders, rising like stately pinnacles above their vast bureaucracies of Civil servants, no longer servants and no longer civil.”
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I agree, Gina, that this is a story that impacts on all of us, particularly those with opinions running counter to the liberal orthodoxy. It is shameful that it has not received more attention from the media, especially the likes of Fox News, Rush, O'Reilly and other national commentators. If Savage can be singled out for discipline, so can they.
I am not a great fan of Michael Savage, although I have been in agreement with much that I've heard him say. As you say, Gina, some people really take to his style, and some don't. All the same, I have been following this story for some time and appreciate that you have brought it to the attention of readers here at Dakota Voice.
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Dr. Theo, I'm disappointed that this attack on Dr. Savage and free speech is not a gigantic story here in America, but I guess it's not surprising with the way our leftist media works. That's why, for a while now, I”ve thought of Dr. Savage as “America's best-kept secret,” because his name is so seldom mentioned, and he's a HUGE radio superstar!
Thank you, as always, for your encouragement.
Gina,
Another well presented, well thought out article. Wow. What and who should a country ban ? The last book and author banned by the U.S. government was 'Fanny Hill' in 1963, and was written by a Brit in the 1700's, which was overturned by the Supreme Court.
Savage, to me, is like a conservative, iconoclastic George Carlin- I don't take either seriously, but do listen on occasion.
Oh, and your comment about Scotch is dead on. I tried to drink it in my younger days to act cool, but just couldn't choke it down !
Ah, Brian. That's the thing about scotch. I happen to like it, but almost never drink it anymore.
This thing has gotten a big larger. Dr. Savage mentioned this article, Dakota Voice and my name on his show today. And, the article is now linked on his website: http://www.michaelsavage.wnd.com/
I'm speechless and can't really think straight right now.
And, let's not forget Bob, his Mom and their family in our prayers.
[...] America’s best-kept secret of 2009: Michael Savage and His Ban from Britain [...]
If I were to pick one that in these very dire times to be president of the United States to save us from such corruption that has come out of the White House I would pick Dr. Michael Savage. Shame on Secretary, Hilary Clinton for not doing her job to protect an American from this terrible, misguided ban. Also, conservative talk show hosts for not speaking out in defense of this noble man. I heard him myself defend Bill O'Reilly in a very respectful way at the time Mr. O'Reilly's reputation was at stake (which in signifiance is so small to the unfair damage Dr. Savage has been accussed of). Listen America, if we don't stand together; divided we will fall.
I`m really disappointed that rightwing talkers like Rush,Hannity and Beck never ounce mentioned Savages plight.I really do believe that theres some jealosy there,deep inside they know who the king of talk radio really is.
Thank you, young lady, for alerting your readers to Savage's existence. You're ahead of the “cutting edge of societal evolution” touted by Rush on this one. Keep up the good work. Kudos and prayers.
Living in Canada, it is impossible to find any Conservative commentary and my wife and I were so glad to have found Dr. Savage when in San Fran. We now subscribe and listen to him daily back home. As for the British ban and lack of action on any level….it is just another one of those things that Mike descibes as 'upsidedown' of which there are many other illogical issues ongoing.
This was a well written article and we look forward to the coming demise of most of what this current administration is about….thanks in large measure to the pinpointing of Dr Savage, because liberalism is truly a mental disorder!
I routinely listen to Dr. Savage on the radio, and if any of the “information” that the British Home Secretary used to include Dr. Savage on the banned list were true and complete, then all forms of entrenched media in the U.S. would have taken every opportunity to broadcast this apparently correct decision of the British government. What I found most interesting is the lack of response I received last year from our Representatives and Senators in Congress.
I contacted all 535 members of the House and Senate by written letter via USPS requesting a Joint Resolution of Congress affirming the right of all citizens to the free exercise of speech and a formal inquiry from the U.S. Secretary of State's office to the British Prime Minister. Unfortunately, I received only a handful of written responses and all were in the form of a “thank you for expressing your views” form letter. It appears our elected Representatives and Senators each take an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution, but they do not actually care what it says. I also found it interesting that a couple of reponses stated that they could not actually respond to me because I did not reside in their state or congressional district. I did not realize the issue of freedom of speech is limited to the borders of a particular state or congressional district.
I hope that continued broadcast of this matter will eventually bring relief to Dr. Savage by removing his name from the banned list as well as a public acknowledgment of the damage caused by the British government.
Thank you for your timely article in this noble cause.
Great article, Gina, and pretty accurate. I live in the SF Bay Area and look forward to the show everyday. Savage is one of the few shows I listen to that regularly allows dissenting opinions. He welcomes them! It makes the show that much better too, in my opinion. It's ironic (and sad) that is the reason the silly Brits banned him. They claim to dissent with his speech (which is BS and cowardly). There's no England anymore…
Borders, Language, Culture
I love Savage's visceral treatment of Liberals…that's exactly how I react to them.
Thank you Gina, for your well-written article. I am very disappointed with the absolute lack of media attention, and even more with Rush and Hannity.They are starting to look more and more like shills for Palin/McCain. I am disgusted with Hillary Clinton and her cowardly lack of action on Michael Savage's behalf. I can only wonder if the current Administration, indeed did collude with the government of U.K. Get rid of the R.I.N.O.S. and libs 2012!
Dr. Savage represents IMO the “middle class” of American more than any other talk show, pundit et al you want to call it.
Savage can go all program and not one time talk about politics. His show is so diverse which is why I love to listen. He is able to hold an audience with just talking about his dog Teddy, or where he went to have dinner, or his tales of him and his boat. I doubt others out there if capable, can hold an audience without the daily beatings of (R) bad, and (D) good or vice versa…
Fantastic article! I am a hardcore and extremely dedicated fan of Dr. Savage. Slight problem, though… the entire story of his name being put on the banned list got no media attention, and I seriously doubt any airheads from the major media networks will now go and publicize this article. How to get these hollow heads to pay attention??
EVERYONE I KNOW LISTENS TO DR SAVAGE AND I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE AND THEY ALL LIKE HIS SHOW..THE FACT THAT THE LAME STREAM MEDIA MAKES BELIEVE HE DOESNT EXIST IS THEY ARE SCARED TO DEATH OF HIM, THEY KNOW DEEP DOWN THAT EVERYTHING HE SAYS IS TRUE AND THAT ALMOST ALL AMERICANS AND A MAJORITY OF FOREIGN LISTENERS AGREE WITH HIM. IT TELLS A LOT ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE BILL OREILY AND OTHERS WHO NEVER MENTION HIS NAME…THEY ALSO ARE SCARED OF HIM, THEY KNOWS HES RIGHT BUT ARE BABIES AND HYPOCRITS BY SHUNNING MR SAVAGE.
I just saw that a family member in Bob's family is ill. I didn't realise that and am truly sorry. Also, have no doubt that his great faith will be his guide during this trying time
Gina I'm so glad you are speaking out for Michael not that he has problem speaking OUT, but I'm sure he appreciated this article. He did mention it on his program. Well, written! Thank God that we STILL have free speech.
Thanks so much, Judy!
And thanks to all for reading and taking the time to comment.
Gina
Don't get the 'big head' ( I know you won't ), but you have raised the bar ! I am glad I don't have your wrtining skills, because no one then expects much. I think you'll handle center stage just fine.Lights, camera, action……………….
Brian, I appreciate you. Thanks very much.
I don't see how I could top the number of hits this article had, because it was linked (still is, for now) on Dr. Savage's website. I'll still try to keep writing articles, but it will be a bit harder because my old radio company has asked me to come back on, so I'll be working two jobs, starting Monday.
The American media, and the American government, should take on this important story. It goes right to the heart of constitutional rights in the United States. Fundamental freedoms are a precious gift that must be defended, or else they will slowly be lost. The British government's actions go a long way toward eroding our basic freedoms, through their actions toward Michael Savage. We the people must stand up against this tyranny. We must demand that our elected representatives also uphold our core values. Write! Exclaim! Scream for your rights! Don't lose them. Stand up for Dr. Savage.
The only one of his rivals that mentions his name is Mark Levin(e)(sp?). I crack up when calls me a part of the Weiner nation (since Michael changed his last name from the more jewish roote to an American sound). I've tried calling their shows to get on and discuss the Savage Ban with them. It's tough to get through. It takes someone saying exactly what you said Gina –> “We know he's said some mean stuff about your person, step up to the plate and defend his right to say it or else you wont get a chance to tell him he's an idiot in return on the air someday”
Wonderful article, kudos!
Good job on the article, Gina. I love the Savage Nation!
My husband and I love your show and find it actually comforting as our youngest son prepares to go to Afghanistan to help guard at the American Embassy in Kabul. We pray that people wake up and take action to reverse the dangerous course our country appears to be taking. God bless you in your efforts to inform people and I admire your fortitude and perseverance.
EXCELLENT ARTICLE!! It is a damned shame and outrage that Conservatives across America aren't flooding emails & phone calls to our SOS Hillary in support of Savage