Daniel Ellsberg, the renowned anti-war activist and whistleblower who exposed classified information known as the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War, passed away at the age of 92. His family confirmed his death in a statement to CBS News, revealing that he died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Kensington, California. Despite his illness, Ellsberg remained surrounded by loved ones and was not in pain during his final moments. Described as a seeker of truth and patriotic truth-teller, Ellsberg was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.
Speaking about his legacy, Ellsberg’s son, Robert Ellsberg, shared his father’s desire to be remembered as someone who contributed to the anti-war movement. In an interview set for release on Father’s Day, he mentioned that his father once discussed wanting his gravestone to read, “He became a part of the anti-Vietnam and anti-nuclear movement.”
Before becoming a whistleblower, Ellsberg held a prominent position in the government-military elite. A Harvard graduate and self-proclaimed “cold warrior,” he played a crucial role as a consultant on Vietnam from the 1960s onwards. He had the highest security clearances and was trusted by officials from both Democratic and Republican administrations due to his discretion. However, like many Americans during that time, Ellsberg eventually turned against the war.
Ellsberg’s courage in revealing the Pentagon Papers showcased his unwavering commitment to conscience and his belief in standing up for what he believed to be right. He possessed an exceptional intellect, insatiable curiosity, and profound sensitivity. According to David Halberstam, a late author and Vietnam War correspondent who knew Ellsberg well, he saw political events as issues of moral absolutes and demanded accountability for abuses of power. Moreover, Ellsberg represented a generation of Americans who witnessed the erosion of American idealism in foreign policy during the 1960s and ’70s and the shift in attitudes towards communism.
Commissioned by then-Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara, the Pentagon Papers provided a comprehensive history of the United States’ involvement in Vietnam from the 1940s to the 1960s. The classified documents revealed how the U.S. violated a settlement that prohibited foreign military presence in Vietnam, questioned the legitimacy of South Vietnam’s government, secretly expanded the war into neighboring countries, and disregarded their own intelligence community’s judgment on the Northern Vietnamese’s strength. The publishing of the Pentagon Papers thrust Ellsberg into the spotlight as the suspected whistleblower, which eventually led to his arrest. He became a hero to the anti-war movement and a traitor to supporters of the war.
The Nixon administration attempted to halt further publication of the papers, alleging threats to national security. However, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the newspapers, citing First Amendment rights. Meanwhile, Nixon sought revenge against Ellsberg, forming a group known as the “plumbers” to prevent future leaks. Ellsberg faced espionage and theft charges and expected a lengthy sentence. However, he escaped jail time partially due to Nixon’s obsession with him and the exposure of the Watergate scandal, which further tainted the administration’s credibility.
Ellsberg’s courageous actions influenced the course of history, paving the way for transparency and accountability. Without his involvement, Nixon may have remained in office, prolonging the Vietnam War. Ellsberg’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of individuals standing up for truth, even at great personal risk.
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