Most Dangerous

1. From Cold Warrior to Dissenter: Ellsberg's Transformation

“I had become,” Ellsberg later said, “along with many other Americans, a cold warrior.”

Early Beliefs. Daniel Ellsberg began as a staunch supporter of the Cold War, admiring President Truman's commitment to containing Soviet influence. He served as a Marine and dedicated himself to understanding risk and decision-making, viewing the conflict between the US and communism as a clear-cut battle for global freedom.

Seeds of Doubt. His perspective began to shift as he gained access to classified information about the Vietnam War. He witnessed firsthand the discrepancies between public statements and the reality of the conflict, including the Gulf of Tonkin incident and the secret operations in North Vietnam.

Moral Awakening. Ellsberg's transformation culminated in a profound sense of moral responsibility. He could no longer reconcile his knowledge of the war's true nature with his commitment to the government's policies, leading him to risk everything to expose the truth.

2. The Gulf of Tonkin: A Catalyst for Deception

“Within a day or two,” Ellsberg would later say, “I knew that each one of these assurances was false.”

Dubious Incident. The Gulf of Tonkin incident, where US ships were allegedly attacked by North Vietnamese forces, served as a pivotal moment in escalating American involvement in Vietnam. President Johnson used the incident to secure congressional approval for expanded military action.

Hidden Agendas. Ellsberg, privy to classified cables, discovered that the Johnson administration misrepresented the events in the Gulf of Tonkin. The US Navy had been supporting South Vietnamese raids on North Vietnam, actions that provoked the alleged attacks.

Erosion of Trust. This realization marked a turning point for Ellsberg, shattering his faith in the government's honesty and fueling his determination to expose the truth about the war. The incident highlighted the dangers of unchecked executive power and the importance of transparency in a democracy.

3. Vietnam: A Quagmire of Shifting Perspectives

Perspective is everything.

Conflicting Narratives. The Vietnam War was viewed differently depending on one's vantage point. From Washington, it was a battleground in the Cold War; from North Vietnam, a struggle for national liberation against foreign domination.

Ho Chi Minh's Vision. Ho Chi Minh, initially an ally of the US during World War II, sought independence for Vietnam, even quoting the American Declaration of Independence. However, the US prioritized containing communism, leading to support for French colonialism and the division of Vietnam.

Domino Theory. The Domino Theory, which posited that the fall of one country to communism would lead to the collapse of others, drove US policy in Vietnam. This fear led to the suppression of elections and the escalation of military involvement, despite growing evidence of the war's futility.

4. The Pentagon Papers: Unveiling the Truth

“You know,” McNamara said, referring to the growing pile of papers, “they could hang people for what’s in there.”

Secret History. Robert McNamara commissioned a secret study documenting the history of US decision-making in Vietnam. The Pentagon Papers revealed a pattern of deception, miscalculations, and strategic failures spanning multiple administrations.

Documented Lies. The study exposed the Johnson administration's misleading statements about the Gulf of Tonkin, the secret bombing of Cambodia, and the true nature of the war. It also revealed that presidents had consistently escalated the conflict despite knowing its limited prospects for success.

Ellsberg's Decision. Ellsberg, after reading the Pentagon Papers, felt compelled to make them public, believing that the American people had a right to know the truth about the war. He risked imprisonment and social ostracism to expose the government's lies and bring an end to the conflict.

5. Nixon's Obsession: The Price of Secrecy

Daniel Ellsberg is the most dangerous man in America. He must be stopped at all costs.

Paranoia and Power. President Nixon viewed Ellsberg as a threat to his administration and national security. He was determined to discredit and silence Ellsberg, even if it meant resorting to illegal and unethical tactics.

The Madman Theory. Nixon employed the "madman theory," attempting to intimidate North Vietnam by projecting an image of irrationality and willingness to use extreme measures. This strategy, combined with secret bombing campaigns, further escalated the conflict and eroded public trust.

The Plumbers. Nixon created the "Plumbers," a secret White House unit tasked with stopping leaks and discrediting his political enemies. This group, led by G. Gordon Liddy and Howard Hunt, engaged in illegal activities, including the break-in at Dr. Fielding's office.

6. The Plumbers: A Descent into Illegality

“If you can’t live with the fact that presidents lie,” he later said, “you can’t work for presidents.”

Covert Operations. The Plumbers, driven by loyalty to Nixon and a belief in the necessity of secrecy, operated outside the bounds of the law. They engaged in wiretapping, burglary, and other illegal activities to gather information and silence dissent.

Fielding Break-in. The Plumbers' attempt to steal Ellsberg's psychiatric records from Dr. Fielding's office was a blatant abuse of power. The operation, though ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrated the lengths to which the Nixon administration was willing to go to silence its critics.

Watergate Connection. The Plumbers' activities eventually led to the Watergate scandal, which exposed a broader pattern of corruption and abuse of power within the Nixon administration. The Watergate break-in, initially dismissed as a "third-rate burglary," ultimately led to Nixon's downfall.

7. The Trial: Justice Undermined, Truth Prevails

“Bizarre events have incurably infected the prosecution of this case,” Byrne continued.

Legal Battles. Ellsberg and Russo faced serious charges, including theft and espionage, which carried lengthy prison sentences. The trial became a battleground for the soul of American democracy, pitting the government's claim to national security against the public's right to know.

Government Misconduct. The trial was marred by revelations of government misconduct, including the Fielding break-in, illegal wiretaps, and attempts to influence Judge Byrne. These revelations undermined the prosecution's case and raised serious questions about the fairness of the proceedings.

Dismissal. Ultimately, Judge Byrne dismissed all charges against Ellsberg and Russo, citing the government's egregious misconduct. The dismissal was a victory for freedom of the press and the public's right to know, but it also highlighted the fragility of justice in the face of unchecked executive power.

8. Echoes of the Past: Snowden and the Surveillance State

“I think he’s done an enormous service,” Ellsberg said, “incalculable service—it can’t be overestimated—to this democracy.”

Snowden's Revelations. Edward Snowden, like Ellsberg, risked his freedom to expose government secrets, revealing the NSA's vast surveillance programs. Snowden's actions sparked a similar debate about the balance between national security and individual privacy.

Hero or Traitor? Snowden, like Ellsberg, was hailed as a hero by some and condemned as a traitor by others. His case raised fundamental questions about the role of whistleblowers in a democracy and the limits of government power.

Lessons for Today. Ellsberg's story continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the courage to challenge authority. The parallels between the Pentagon Papers and the Snowden revelations underscore the enduring tension between secrecy and the public's right to know in a democratic society.

Last updated: April 12, 2025