Sources suggest that the show's producers wanted to revamp the format to something akin the talent and dance shows you see on the major networks.

Mr. Lewis' brand, it seems, did not "fit..."

We'll see if whether or not the producers' efforts [to make the show more trendy] will provide anywhere near the level of consistency among contributors that Mr. Lewis was always able to command.

The MDA is a sham. Jerry Lewis and many others profited off these people medical conditions.

How many more years of sucking and bleeding the people dry of their money is it going to take before they even come close to a cure for this. NEVER!

If they have a cure for MDA, Cancer or Aids, then their cash-cow ends for them.

These people thrive on other people's miseries and that's all there is to oit.

As for Jerry Lewis. Yuck! He was a pizz-poor slapstick comedian, and not funny.

You know what??? It shows what a huge jerk Jerry is. If it was truly about raising money for the kids, he would have cooperated in every way possible, included or not. So JERRRY which is it? YOU OR THE KIDS?? I guess we know that answer.

After raising $1.66 billion, you would have thought some kind of break through would have happened by now!

I think this telethon has enabled a lot of people to have a great living off of the ones that actually have been sufferers.

MDA does NOTHING to help kids. They won't give a dime to help with things like wheelchairs, bed lifts, or even small things like specialized eating utensils. They let impoverished children suffer while they give it all to "research". Big Pharma has known about the gene that causes Duchennes for NINE YEARS. They've made ZERO PROGRESS. If you want to help, donate somewhere else!

Not to mention: there are ONLY 200,000 people with this disease in the USA.

Further, only 500-600 males are born each year with this disease.

So where are those billions going? Research is NOT that expensive...what do you think lab scientists make? Mid-to-high 5 figures unless you are a superstar and/or professor. But nobody becomes a superstar when there is a patient population of only 200,000.

Again, where are those billions going?

No -- the help that would have gone to national can be given in great amounts to local chapters. Do not give less, just give differently as a tribute to years of dedication to Jerry's kids.

TYLER We are NOT VICTIM of these diseases you moron. We was NOT hit by a tornadoes or a hurricane.

Maybe he can ask the billion dollar church for some cash, but all they will give him are empty prayers that amount to diddly-squat.

One reason he won't solicit church or religions is because a con knows a con.

Let the games begin.

once again you ARE WRONG.

I believe MDA does not care about people with this disease.

Why should they care. It's their paycheck that they are interested in, not a cure.

If they had a cure, they wouldn't be getting a their steady cash flow any longer.

And what to show for that huge amount ?

Please do not withhold donations that would have been given -- be specific when given locally that it's because of MDAs change this year.

Sorry, Texan, without Jerry as a part of MDA, I will refrain from donating any money to that charity. I'm certain that firing Jerry is only the first of many poor decision the MDA execs will begin making. This organization is not worthy of any further donations.

Arnie-559591

Sorry, MDA. Without Jerry, I'm not giving anything. Not even watching. It's your doing that he's not here. He didn't quit.

That's just stupid. You are going to punish the kids because fat-ole-Jerry is no more. Would you do the same if ole Jerry had died and couldn't be the host?

Arnie, you sound simple. MDA has acted like jerks, but the people who benefit are still in need. Did you donate to MDA or pay for the floor shows? I don't understand people who ignore the greater good because they are p*ssed off.

That's actually a pretty darn good idea!

Read the article, he retired. It was his time to go. Gee, the man is old and haggard, and not funny.

He never said he hates Republicans, he is just stating the talking points some of thier members love to throw around. Maybe you just hate liberals Janet, or anybody who doesn't think like you do.

Hello Dave

I could be mistaken, but I do believe that Republicans care about people who "need" help. I think their issue is with those that don't and won't help themselves to better themselves and their situations because the welfare system has made it easier to step up to the trough than to fend for themselves.

And just for clarity, I do think the welfare system in the US has gone over the edge. Not just those committing fraud on the low end, but all the way up to the retired rich who collect SS and Medicare with millions in the bank. to corporate welfare.

"We the People" have created a welfare state by the votes we cast for those that don't represent us, and both parties are just as guilty.

I sure hope for you sake your right!! Who decides who is needy? People with MDA are in need! But, Schizophrenics are not? I guess your education in Judgement is going to be put to good use. It seems everyone wants reform.. Just not on the programs they benefit from. But Hey drop me a note and let me know how the Dog food your eating tastes because you can't afford food anymore. You don't have to be a genius to figure out if food costs double what it did just five years ago. People are going to go Hungry!! But Hey I nominate you to Pass Judgement on what kids go hungry tonight. But I'm sure you will sleep just fine.

Not to worry,Dave, Union bosses are almost ready to pitch in and pay for those in need. What? this isn't about union thugs? or Republicans? Sorry, just wanting to make sure your tantrum got some attention. carry on.

Mind you their were children as young as 7 years old working in coal mines. I'm sure you will feel better when everyone in the world is making $8.00 per hour just like you. No Sir! I think I will stick with a living wage to feed my family. But hey let me know how that whole de unionization works out for the average American. Ever Wonder where the jobs are? Being done by a 9 year old in a foreign country. You must be so proud.

Dave

I think the whole thing comes down to lack of government oversight.

Corporations are making record profits, and yet they aren't hiring. THey pay almost nothing in taxes, and yet aren't hiring. Oversight would say that tax breaks are based on hiring, not a general rule. Tax corps fully, and give them tax breaks for increasing the numbers on their payrolls. This would feed many. Lack of oversight.

The average retiree that has a million in the bank will earn more in investments than they will pull out of SS and Medicare. They no longer contribute to society financially or by hiring, in fact, they are sucking up resources that could be used to help others, especially the retired poor. This would feed many. Lack of oversight.

I have a cousin that is on welfare, housing assistance, food stamps, childcare assistance and healthcare assistance. She lives with a millionaire who owns an orchard. She picks up the fruit that lands on the ground, cleans it up and sells it for seconds. She was bragging that she made $150,000 last year in cash, not counting the assistance. This is just one of the many personal instances of fraud that I know of and the government turns a blind eye to it all. $150,000 would feed many. Lack of oversight.

In order to change the system so truly needy don't get hurt, perhaps for every person in government hired to hand out "OUR" money, there should be one hired to make sure it is being spent wisely.

Cutting the TV time is going to hurt this drive. Anyone taking bets they don't do more than 80% of this years goal?

John, If what you say is true, you are part of the problem. You can and should report this person for Fraud. Your comment has so incensed me I am thinking about turning your email to fraud investigators. Did you know your Government will pay you 20% of the money your find in Fraud. Sounds to me you need to make a phone call. Let me know if you need me to provide a number to the proper Government Agency to take care of this abuse of the system. If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. But please respond to my email so I can keep the group up to date on your progress in bringing this criminal to justice.

Hey John, Let us know what state your cousin lives in? I can also provide you with State and Local fraud resources. You could well be in some trouble John. Depending on what state you live in You could be also prosecuted for not reporting the crime.

I have talked to people in the government, of which my sister is one, it just so happens that there are a hundred to one investigators to social workers who hand out money.The problem is that people like you refuse to see that it is happening on a daily basis. The system has become one that a family is better off at or below the poverty line. A family that makes $45,000 a year, pays for their own medical, housing, food, and daycare. After deducting the costs, they are actually making less and have a lower standard of living than those who abuse the system, and quite honestly, honor is the only reason I haven't joined their ranks. And if I am part of the problem, perhaps I should join them so you can feel sorry for me too!

John Post your cousins information right here and we will work together as a group so your cousin is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. John I understand your frustration. We are all Americans John, and you can lean on me. What you could not do alone we will do together.

So, you have changed your opinion that everyone on assistance is needy and poor and that their children are starving. Interesting.

I did turn her in. It did no good because the government can't trace cash. It doesn't mean it isn't happening, just that resources are invested in giving rather than protecting the rights of the givers. Perhaps now, after you have changed your opinion that not everyone who claims that they are poor really are, you might open your eyes to welfare reform of all kinds. From the poor, to the retired rich, to corporations.

John, It has nothing to do with feeling sorry for people! It is about being human. You either care for your fellow man. Or you don't care for your fellow man. You have chosen to specialize. I care for just some of my fellow human beings. The one I deem worthy or that my party has deemed worthy. John I am sorry! But I think you may be selfish. I'm just saying. It seems like your are deciding who is worthy on a sliding scale. A list of the most worthy of your grace and those who are less worthy of your grace. Each human being is different! Yet if they don't make your or you parties judgement list. They are screwed.

First of all. if you didn't read my posts, I claim no party other than American. My claims take from the poor committing fraud to the retired rich using the system to corporations getting tax breaks that they don't deserve.

If you believe that I have made a choice to decide who is worthy, I will tell you, yes I have. I believe the worthy are those with true American spirit that believe that this country has opportunities for those that are willing to work for it, not those that believe that it is the country that will give you everything you need without work.

As a patriot, I get a tear in my eye every time I hear our national anthem. As a true patriot, I cry every time I see what we have become.

John all I am saying is you may be starting on the wrong side of the list. You can tell with 100% certainty if some are receiving Corporate Welfare and or not paying their fair share of taxes. Starting with the 95% of the American who only control about 10% of the cash in America. I would start the 5% who control 95% of the wealth. Do you realize just ending tax loop holes for the 518 billionaires who call America home would balance the national debt in apx 4 years. I am just saying for me deciding if a child is or is not going to bed hungry can be quite a subjective process. Do we punish children because mom smoke crack? If you do you can guarantee another generation of Crack addicts.

You can take your money from the poor and not be sure a kid is going hungry. Or you can make the wealthy pay the same tax rate as you and I are subjected to. The only difference is? One will go hungry and one will make 518 million instead of 530 million. You decide. Their is a block of this country who don't want corporations to pay taxes and they themselves don't want to pay taxes. That seems a bit selfish wouldn't you agree? America has a choice to make? Do I want to pay more in taxes or do I want people who make billions in profit to pay their fare share.

How do you justify taking money from the rich without first proving that you are spending "there" money wisely. These are the same principles upon which our great country was founded.

I tell you what, if the sixteenth amendment was repealed, the people in Washington would have a much greater appreciation for the cash cow.

Well, from reading this, John, your agument is weak, your "example of fraud" is suspect at best, and all you've done is side-step Dave's questions and responses. Do you really have something to offer besides, "one guy I know is abusing the system that millions need?"

This idiotic tendency to lump all of one economic class into a single group is a false argument that's been around for ages. It's an informal falllacious argument called and ecological fallacy. Stereotyping is a common form of this fallacy.

Your argument, therefore, is moot. Move on to a real argument.

I sidestepped nothing and answered all queries other than the name of my cousin of which the story is true. I did not lump all economic classes together, but rather, defined them. Retired rich/retired poor, companies who pay their taxes/ companies that don't, poor that need help/ perceived poor that don't. My argument is more valid to an underlying disagreement in this country than I think you see.

Which comes first the chicken or the egg.

In reality taxation has come first ever since the sixteenth amendment was past, Which gave the federal government the same right to tax as the countries the founders fled. If There is any benefit to what I've seen in politics in the last few years is the thought that "Prove to me that you can act responsibly with my money, then I will responsibly give it.

As far as a system that millions need I have a little story.

I was in high school in 1982. I had an advanced comp teacher who was quite an amazing man. We got into a discussion of marxism, communism and the like. The discussion became somewhat heated as people disagreed, which happens more frequently as I have noticed. My teacher when asked "Then why do we have Welfare?" simply responded "So they don't come rob us and kill us in our sleep" I think his were very wise words as to the roads we have chosen to travel.

Some might argue that we are the greatest country in the world because of how we treat our people, but I would argue that we became the greatest country in the world by the philosophy of "Do or die"

You live in a community and another member falls on hard times. If that person is a hard worker, and a strong member of the community, they deserve your charity to get them back on their feet. So the community helps. When they get back on their feet, if another needs help, they were the first to volunteer. Charity should be on the backs of the community, not the federal government through mandate.

And this is what we have become. The work ethic is dead! It is all about what I deserve, what I need, what they have that I don't, what I can get without working, and what I can get if others work. America is lazy, and this laziness will be its downfall.

Here is the real argument: All people are created equal, but what they become is environmental.

What's also shocking..MDA wants to do this to help the kids..but they even shortened it to six hours only from what 24 hours or so?

I agree with Rally,also! Another thought is this.

Sure Jerry has flaws, who doesn't? Obviously so does the folks at MDA!

Jerry Lewis is an institution that helped build the MDA institution!

Give Jerry his' proper respect, he so truely earned and deserves!!

Well if they are true i will be boycotting nygel n allison 's shows. I have been watching this since the first telethon n i was 6 yrs old. For those that think it's all about research no its not. I personally had a family member with md and i cant tell how much that org helped them with expenses for wheelchair n other medical needs. You know having a disease like this is not a joke and not everyone has insurance to cover costs that is where mda helps out. So those that think its just a paycheck for some people ya maybe they get paid union laws ya know they have to but the org does wonders for people

Well i dont care much for nygel myself and his talent shows that would be a shame if rumors are true. Most people may not realize its not just about research the money is spent on it has helped many families not able to buy wheelchairs or dont have insurance get treatment for their family member. I have watched this telethon since it started i was 6 yrs old then til present and havent never missed one except this one. I will make my donation as always just not directly to this telethon a private donation to be made later.