Petrelis Files

January 26, 2005

Corrections Editor
The New York Times
New York, NY

Dear Editor:

In your otherwise excellent obituary about the great TV talk show host Johnny Carson, two mistakes were made that need correcting. (Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/24/arts/television/24john.html?pagewanted=1 )

First, the Times claimed "Mr. Carson guarded his political views as carefully as he did his private life, insisting that the only message of his show was entertainment."

Looking at his political donations on file with the Federal Election Commission, I'd say he supported Democrats over Republicans, making some of his political views very public.

Here are his contributions to federal candidates:

CARSON, JOHNNY MR
10/17/1979 $1,000.00
LOS ANGELES, CA 90024
-[Contribution]
REAGAN FOR PRESIDENT (1980 PRIMARY PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE)

CARSON, JOHNNY
12/3/1979 $1,000.00
LOS ANGELES, CA 90024
N B C-TV -[Contribution]
BROWN FOR PRESIDENT (1980 PCC)
CARSON, JOHNNY MR
12/7/1979 $1,000.00
LOS ANGELES, CA 90024
-[Contribution]
KENNEDY FOR PRESIDENT COMMITTEE

CARSON, JOHNNY
1/30/1980 $1,000.00
LOS ANGELS, CA 90034
COMEDIAN -[Contribution]
CARTER/MONDALE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE INC

(Source: www.tray.com)

Furthermore, the Times reported Carson "also joked that Jerry Brown, the Democratic former governor of California who ran for president in 1992, admitted that he had smoked marijuana in the 60's 'but didn't exhale.'"

While Brown may not have exhaled and he sought the presidency in 1992, he also ran for president in 1976 and 1980, which the Times failed to mention. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Brown)

I think the Times owes readers corrections about these points.

Sincerely,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Ph: 415-621-6267