The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today thanked Citrix
Systems, Inc. for agreeing to drop its advertisements from Michael
Savage's nationally-syndicated radio program because of the host's
anti-Muslim views.
CAIR recently reported that Savage, whose "The Savage Nation" airs
on more than 300 radio stations nationwide, screamed attacks on
Muslims, Islam and the Quran, Islam's revealed text, during his October
29, 2007, program.
To listen to Savage's bigoted statements, click here.
SEE: National Radio Host Goes on Anti-Muslim Tirade
The Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group called
on radio listeners of all faiths to contact companies that advertise on
Savage's program to express their concerns about the host's anti-Muslim
bigotry. (He has since stepped up his attacks on Islam and Muslims in
response to CAIR's advertiser campaign.)
In a letter to CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad, a Citrix official wrote:
"Citrix Systems, Inc. and Citrix Online, LLC are in receipt of
numerous communications from representatives, members and constituents
of your organization.
"On behalf of Citrix Systems and Citrix Online, I want to share with
you and your organization that free speech is a valued constitutional
right that is respected by Citrix Systems and Citrix Online; however we
want to make clear that the opinions expressed on the Michael Savage
program - or any other program we advertise in - do not in any way
represent the views of Citrix Systems or Citrix Online.
"Separately, please know that effective Monday, November 5, 2007,
Citrix Online ended its advertising relationship with the Michael Savage program."
Citrix is a global leader in application delivery infrastructure,
including www.gotomypc.com, www.gotomeeting.com, www.gotoassist.com,
www.gotowebinar.com.
"We appreciate Citrix's principled action to disassociate itself
from Michael Savage's hate-filled rhetoric," said CAIR Communications
Coordinator Amina Rubin. "We urge other local and national companies
running ads on Savage's program to follow Citrix's example in support
of religious tolerance."
Rubin added: "Free speech is a precious right that we fully support
and strive to protect. We are not seeking to curb Mr. Savage's freedom
of speech, but to demonstrate that Americans and American companies
will not tolerate hatred and bigotry."
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 33 offices
and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the
understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties,
empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and
mutual understanding.