August 11, 2005
Federal Communications Commission
Enforcement Bureau
Investigations and Hearings Division
445 12th Street, SW, Room3-B443
Washington, D.C. 20554
Dear Sir or Madam:
As a public interest organization that has been exposing
environmental threats for 34 years, Greenpeace is an organization
that cherishes the First Amendment right to free speech. However,
we also recognize that this right only goes so far and that
reasonable limits are necessary, such as your prohibitions against
obscene, profane and indecent broadcasts. We feel that Tucker
Carlson, the host of MSNBC's "The Situation with Tucker Carlson"
has exceeded those limits.
Enclosed are partial transcripts of the June 22nd and July 15th
broadcasts of Mr. Carlson's show, which aired at 9:00 p.m. EST. Mr.
Carlson's comments in support of the July 10, 1985 bombing of the
Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior, by French agents are
grossly offensive to Greenpeace and, especially with the current
state of the world, should be to all Americans. It is also highly
irresponsible and dangerous to condone violent activities from the
airwaves. Terrorists do not need any further encouragement to
commit their horrific acts.
This violent act against the Rainbow Warrior did not just
destroy property. It took the life of Fernando Pereira, the ship's
photographer, who drowned below deck, leaving behind two young
children.
Mr. Carlson's callous comments came within days of the 20th
anniversary of the bombing. I find it unconscionable that Mr.
Carlson would support an act of terrorism, especially against an
organization like Greenpeace that has always promoted a safer and
greener world through peaceful action. In contrast, Mr. Carlson
admires and supports the use of violence against those with whom he
disagrees.
In response to complaints that I made directly to MSNBC, Mr.
Carlson called me on August 3rd. Notes from that telephone
conversation are also enclosed. As you can see, he was unapologetic
and reiterated his admiration of France for the bombing. In an
absurd and unacceptable defense of his statements, Mr. Carlson
tried to distinguish this violent act from terrorism, stating that
it was merely "vandalism". He excused the killing of Fernando
Pereira by stating that the French did not intend to kill anyone.
Mr. Carlson's explanation of his televised comments is further
indication that he was serious about his support of the violent
action against the Rainbow Warrior and its crew.
I am informing you of this matter because you are the agency
responsible for protecting the public from grossly offensive
broadcasts. I urge you to investigate this matter and take
appropriate steps so that Mr. Carlson and MSNBC do not continue to
violate appropriate broadcast standards.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you need any
additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John Passacantando
Executive Director
Greenpeace USA
Enc: Transcript excerpts from June 22 and July 15, 2005
"Situation with Tucker Carlson"; Notes from August 3, 2005
telephone conversation with Tucker Carlson