Comments on: Whistleblowers: An Interview With Daniel Ellsberg and John Dean http://www.ellsberg.net/archive/whistleblowers-an-interview-with-daniel-ellsberg-and-john-dean Sat, 28 Aug 2010 01:52:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Bob Jacobson http://www.ellsberg.net/archive/whistleblowers-an-interview-with-daniel-ellsberg-and-john-dean/comment-page-1#comment-2729 Bob Jacobson Sun, 09 May 2010 04:44:38 +0000 http://www.ellsberg.net/?p=261#comment-2729 CORRECTION: Here's the correct URL for my "'Blackwatering' Public Diplomacy" article in the Huffington Post, May 3, 2010: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-jacobson/an-epic-failure-of-planni_b_561697.html Thank you. CORRECTION: Here’s the correct URL for my “‘Blackwatering’ Public Diplomacy” article in the Huffington Post, May 3, 2010:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-jacobson/an-epic-failure-of-planni_b_561697.html

Thank you.

]]> By: Bob Jacobson http://www.ellsberg.net/archive/whistleblowers-an-interview-with-daniel-ellsberg-and-john-dean/comment-page-1#comment-2728 Bob Jacobson Sun, 09 May 2010 04:42:16 +0000 http://www.ellsberg.net/?p=261#comment-2728 This week I published in Huffinton Post, "'Blackwatering' Public Diplomacy: The US Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo," May 3, 2010, http://bit.ly/huffpo-uspavilion/ I would be interested in speaking with Daniel about how best to bring this to the general public's attention -- and even more so, in light of "Most Dangerous Man," to people who can affect the outcome. Public diplomacy isn't as dramatic as war as a determinant of a nation's reputation internationally and among its own people, but its effect is equally pernicious and it is continuous. The desire to outsource or privatize vital government functions in return for political gain is a powerful driver of bad policy. Regrettably, it has been US executive strategy at least since Bill Clinton's presidency. The US Pavilion's sad story of gentile corruption is symptomatic of our leaders' buy-in to this strategy; it is producing a deep malaise in our society. What to do? Thanks for a reply. This week I published in Huffinton Post, “‘Blackwatering’ Public Diplomacy: The US Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo,” May 3, 2010,

http://bit.ly/huffpo-uspavilion/

I would be interested in speaking with Daniel about how best to bring this to the general public’s attention — and even more so, in light of “Most Dangerous Man,” to people who can affect the outcome. Public diplomacy isn’t as dramatic as war as a determinant of a nation’s reputation internationally and among its own people, but its effect is equally pernicious and it is continuous.

The desire to outsource or privatize vital government functions in return for political gain is a powerful driver of bad policy. Regrettably, it has been US executive strategy at least since Bill Clinton’s presidency. The US Pavilion’s sad story of gentile corruption is symptomatic of our leaders’ buy-in to this strategy; it is producing a deep malaise in our society. What to do? Thanks for a reply.

]]> By: Suzanne Scurlock-Durana http://www.ellsberg.net/archive/whistleblowers-an-interview-with-daniel-ellsberg-and-john-dean/comment-page-1#comment-2189 Suzanne Scurlock-Durana Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:48:53 +0000 http://www.ellsberg.net/?p=261#comment-2189 Living in the greater Washington D.C. area has its benefits and I got to experience one of them this past weekend. An excellent documentary "Most Dangerous Man in America" opened at the E Street Cinema and there was a small paragraph in the Washington Post about the fact that Daniel Ellsberg was actually going to be there after the 7:30pm showing to answer questions. Out of curiosity about this man, we got tickets and somehow ended up on the eighth row. It is an exciting, very well done film - bringing to light the story behind the major events - of Ellsberg's profound change of heart - and how he step by step followed his own internal moral compass until the Pentagon Papers - the story of the deception perpetrated by a succession of U.S. Presidents (from both parties) on why we were fighting in Vietnam - came completely to light for the public to read and judge. As you may remember, Nixon resigned rather than be impeached, as a result. It was a very important time in the history of this country - for free speech, for the ability of the press to publish pieces that were factual and yet very controversial because of how they exposed a weakness in our political system. Ellsberg had the courage to not compromise his integrity. He could have faced life in prison for trying to stop a war he had originally helped plan. His early complicity and then profound change of heart are all there - we know how the story ends, yet is held us every moment. I found myself racking my brain to remember what happened next. So I tell you all this to say, go see the movie. It is excellent and its message is vital for multiple reasons to each of us in today's world. Here is a short review of the film for those of you wanting to know more http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G1SaatIp0w But beyond the film was the man himself. As he took his place in the front of the auditorium at the end of the film, there was no mistaking him. He is 78 and his presence has not waned at all. It is a quiet, sharp clear presence that he emanates. His answers to pressing questions of today were insightful and hopeful. I went with curiosity and no real expectations and I came away feeling much more optimistic about what I can do in my own world in terms of truth telling and courage. In the time when this film was made the issue was government secrecy - today the issues are multiplied and even more complex. He acknowledged that and said,(in response to some rather pointed questions), something like, the circumstances may be different today, but remember that one should never underestimate the power of one person to effect positive change. And then he went on to the importance of being open to possibilities that one might not have even conceived of up until that point in time. He cited the fact that no one expected the Berlin wall to fall or Nelson Mandela to be released from prison and go on to lead his country...and yet both of those events happened since Daniel took his fateful path. Opening to new possibilities...important for all of us discouraged by recent Supreme Court decisions or the lack of positive movement in Congress...so, I left the theatre feeling hopeful. The added bonus was that my teenage son got to see a historical film that he actually found fascinating and see Daniel Ellsberg in person, all in one night. A great evening, I would say! Living in the greater Washington D.C. area has its benefits and I got to experience one of them this past weekend. An excellent documentary “Most Dangerous Man in America” opened at the E Street Cinema and there was a small paragraph in the Washington Post about the fact that Daniel Ellsberg was actually going to be there after the 7:30pm showing to answer questions. Out of curiosity about this man, we got tickets and somehow ended up on the eighth row. It is an exciting, very well done film – bringing to light the story behind the major events – of Ellsberg’s profound change of heart – and how he step by step followed his own internal moral compass until the Pentagon Papers – the story of the deception perpetrated by a succession of U.S. Presidents (from both parties) on why we were fighting in Vietnam – came completely to light for the public to read and judge. As you may remember, Nixon resigned rather than be impeached, as a result.

It was a very important time in the history of this country – for free speech, for the ability of the press to publish pieces that were factual and yet very controversial because of how they exposed a weakness in our political system. Ellsberg had the courage to not compromise his integrity. He could have faced life in prison for trying to stop a war he had originally helped plan. His early complicity and then profound change of heart are all there – we know how the story ends, yet is held us every moment. I found myself racking my brain to remember what happened next. So I tell you all this to say, go see the movie. It is excellent and its message is vital for multiple reasons to each of us in today’s world. Here is a short review of the film for those of you wanting to know more http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G1SaatIp0w

But beyond the film was the man himself. As he took his place in the front of the auditorium at the end of the film, there was no mistaking him. He is 78 and his presence has not waned at all. It is a quiet, sharp clear presence that he emanates. His answers to pressing questions of today were insightful and hopeful. I went with curiosity and no real expectations and I came away feeling much more optimistic about what I can do in my own world in terms of truth telling and courage.

In the time when this film was made the issue was government secrecy – today the issues are multiplied and even more complex. He acknowledged that and said,(in response to some rather pointed questions), something like, the circumstances may be different today, but remember that one should never underestimate the power of one person to effect positive change. And then he went on to the importance of being open to possibilities that one might not have even conceived of up until that point in time. He cited the fact that no one expected the Berlin wall to fall or Nelson Mandela to be released from prison and go on to lead his country…and yet both of those events happened since Daniel took his fateful path. Opening to new possibilities…important for all of us discouraged by recent Supreme Court decisions or the lack of positive movement in Congress…so, I left the theatre feeling hopeful. The added bonus was that my teenage son got to see a historical film that he actually found fascinating and see Daniel Ellsberg in person, all in one night. A great evening, I would say!

]]> By: Leslie Purcell http://www.ellsberg.net/archive/whistleblowers-an-interview-with-daniel-ellsberg-and-john-dean/comment-page-1#comment-1529 Leslie Purcell Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:50:49 +0000 http://www.ellsberg.net/?p=261#comment-1529 I saw the film (the Most Dangerous Man...) last week, and heard and spoke with Daniel Ellsberg and his wife Patricia. Inspirational. So many parallels with the current wars. We must all speak up. Rarely does anyone talk about the environmental costs of these wars. The wreckage of the land and water, depleted uranium and other toxic chemicals, birth defects, and the massive consumption of energy to send, equip and keep troops around the world--these costs should be factored in to the whole discussion. In terms of climate change, what amount of greenhouse gases and heat are produced by all the bombing, the planes, drones, missiles, ships, and the mega-installations of the military? During argument before the US Supreme Court, in Winter v. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Justice Breyer said, "The whole point of the armed forces is to hurt the environment". NRDC 's counsel, Richard Kendall, argued that "the whole point of the armed forces is to do the least amount of harm possible to the environment." Breyer then asked, "When they go on a bombing mission, do they have to prepare an EIS (environmental impact statement)?" They should have to. We must be responsible for all the damage we do, as well as lives lost or broken, and factor this in to the real cost of war. Instead, we allow huge profits for supposed reconstruction by well-connected corporate contractors, who accomplish little with the vast amounts of public money they are given. Thanks to Daniel Ellsberg for his courage to act and speak out; his analysis is cogent and, unfortunately, still pertains today. I saw the film (the Most Dangerous Man…) last week, and heard and spoke with Daniel Ellsberg and his wife Patricia. Inspirational. So many parallels with the current wars. We must all speak up. Rarely does anyone talk about the environmental costs of these wars. The wreckage of the land and water, depleted uranium and other toxic chemicals, birth defects, and the massive consumption of energy to send, equip and keep troops around the world–these costs should be factored in to the whole discussion. In terms of climate change, what amount of greenhouse gases and heat are produced by all the bombing, the planes, drones, missiles, ships, and the mega-installations of the military?

During argument before the US Supreme Court, in Winter v. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Justice Breyer said, “The whole point of the armed forces is to hurt the environment”. NRDC ’s counsel, Richard Kendall, argued that “the whole point of the armed forces is to do the least amount of harm possible to the environment.” Breyer then asked, “When they go on a bombing mission, do they have to prepare an EIS (environmental impact statement)?” They should have to. We must be responsible for all the damage we do, as well as lives lost or broken, and factor this in to the real cost of war. Instead, we allow huge profits for supposed reconstruction by well-connected corporate contractors, who accomplish little with the vast amounts of public money they are given.

Thanks to Daniel Ellsberg for his courage to act and speak out; his analysis is cogent and, unfortunately, still pertains today.

]]> By: Robert Palmer http://www.ellsberg.net/archive/whistleblowers-an-interview-with-daniel-ellsberg-and-john-dean/comment-page-1#comment-1057 Robert Palmer Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:43:38 +0000 http://www.ellsberg.net/?p=261#comment-1057 I am ashamed of our country politics when I see that after one and one half months I am only the second person to comment here. That is appalling. Daniel Ellsberg and John Dean are true heros as they stood for and spoke truth in an attempt to correct the ship of state that was heading to disaster in Vietnam and with lying and illegalities at home. Now again the need is great because we are repeating the greedy imperialist corporate ways however now it is worse because we also need to come to account for torture and we have an impotent Congress that is reluctant to act and a scared populace as well as an aggressive war. The words of these men will go down in history. Thank you Daniel Ellsberg and John Dean, you are honorable men and you are doing good. The founding fathers are standing with you. I am ashamed of our country politics when I see that after one and one half months I am only the second person to comment here. That is appalling. Daniel Ellsberg and John Dean are true heros as they stood for and spoke truth in an attempt to correct the ship of state that was heading to disaster in Vietnam and with lying and illegalities at home. Now again the need is great because we are repeating the greedy imperialist corporate ways however now it is worse because we also need to come to account for torture and we have an impotent Congress that is reluctant to act and a scared populace as well as an aggressive war. The words of these men will go down in history. Thank you Daniel Ellsberg and John Dean, you are honorable men and you are doing good. The founding fathers are standing with you.

]]> By: drklaus http://www.ellsberg.net/archive/whistleblowers-an-interview-with-daniel-ellsberg-and-john-dean/comment-page-1#comment-920 drklaus Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:08:28 +0000 http://www.ellsberg.net/?p=261#comment-920 One of the great tools available to Mr Ellsberg was the New York Times, a publication that seemed to have the publics' best interest at heart. There probably is no need to mention that today the entire media structure in America is owned and operated by the very despots who have seized our government. I believe it began with the assassination of our president in the 60's. Now with the help of the intelligence community, law enforcement, and dominance of the courts there is little anyone can do to restore democracy in America. There is a secret shadow government in control and those who have the ability to expose the truth are either brought on board and play the game, or are conveniently disposed of, like Senator Wellstone and God knows how many others. The best we can expect from congress is lip service. What we sorely need is for some one to name names and expose bank accounts so we can see the face of the enemy. We need a who is who of despots and traitors to free men of the world. Sadly the lack of morality and character in our leaders and businessmen leads me to this conclusion: we are headed for a man-made armageddon. The so called masters of the universe are total fools who are even now sowing their own destruction. One of the great tools available to Mr Ellsberg was the New York Times, a publication that seemed to have the publics’ best interest at heart. There probably is no need to mention that today the entire media structure in America is owned and operated by the very despots who have seized our government. I believe it began with the assassination of our president in the 60’s. Now with the help of the intelligence community, law enforcement, and dominance of the courts there is little anyone can do to restore democracy in America. There is a secret shadow government in control and those who have the ability to expose the truth are either brought on board and play the game, or are conveniently disposed of, like Senator Wellstone and God knows how many others. The best we can expect from congress is lip service. What we sorely need is for some one to name names and expose bank accounts so we can see the face of the enemy. We need a who is who of despots and traitors to free men of the world. Sadly the lack of morality and character in our leaders and businessmen leads me to this conclusion: we are headed for a man-made armageddon. The so called masters of the universe are total fools who are even now sowing their own destruction.

]]> By: john doe http://www.ellsberg.net/archive/whistleblowers-an-interview-with-daniel-ellsberg-and-john-dean/comment-page-1#comment-344 john doe Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:38:45 +0000 http://www.ellsberg.net/?p=261#comment-344 I admit I was old enough to have read those papers Ellsberg released but was not savy enough to do anything about it? I don't see how we can change this gutless congress. I have known the bush administration from top on down was lying , stupid, and should have been in prison for what they were doing but they have so many dumb people believing in them and the lies put to the American people, I don't know what short of a cival uprising could change it. I admit I was old enough to have read those papers Ellsberg released but was not savy enough to do anything about it? I don’t see how we can change this gutless congress. I have known the bush administration from top on down was lying , stupid, and should have been in prison for what they were doing but they have so many dumb people believing in them and the lies put to the American people, I don’t know what short of a cival uprising could change it.

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