Letter to the FCC

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