We mourn today the loss of a tireless champion of truth, Daniel Ellsberg, who passed away peacefully at the age of 92. For many of us who did not grow up in the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War, Ellsberg is a figure we came to know later in our lives, a man we learned to admire for his integrity, bravery, and tireless commitment to transparency.
Daniel Ellsberg is most widely known for his extraordinary act of courage in 1971. As a military analyst at the Rand Corporation, he made the momentous decision to disclose the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret study that revealed the U.S. government’s duplicity in its handling of the Vietnam War. The consequences of this act rippled through time, reshaping how we perceive the relationships between governments, the media, and the public.
We, who were not there to experience first-hand the shockwaves of the Pentagon Papers’ release, have come to understand the enormity of Ellsberg’s sacrifice and bravery. He chose to risk his career, his reputation, and his freedom for the sake of truth. His actions are a testament to his conviction that a government’s accountability to its citizens is a paramount pillar of democracy.
Ellsberg’s legacy cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in shifting the perception of the role of whistleblowers in our society. The act of sharing the Pentagon Papers was not only a critique of the Vietnam War and the government’s deception, but it was also an assertion of the public’s right to know the truth.
In recent years, we have seen echoes of Ellsberg’s actions in the deeds of others. Edward Snowden’s exposure of mass surveillance programs and other leaks of government secrets can be seen as part of the path that Ellsberg blazed. Whether or not we agree with their actions, we cannot deny that these individuals, like Ellsberg, forced us to question the balance between national security and our right to privacy and truth.
Ellsberg once said, “The public needs to know the truth about the actions of its government. That’s the heart of self-government.” These words have resonated with generations, and they still reverberate today, reminding us of the importance of transparency and accountability in a democratic society.
In his later years, Ellsberg became a vocal advocate for whistleblowers and government transparency. His influence can be felt in the countless lives he touched and the people who, inspired by his example, strive to hold the powerful accountable.
Daniel Ellsberg may have passed on, but his spirit and legacy live within each of us who value truth, justice, and accountability. He reminds us that in times of uncertainty and deceit, there are individuals willing to risk it all to unveil the truth.
As we remember Daniel Ellsberg, we also think of those who may currently find themselves in positions similar to the one he faced decades ago. They may hold in their hands the power to expose a truth that could change the course of our world. To them, we say, remember the wisdom of Ellsberg, a man who was no stranger to the high costs of telling the truth. His final advice to potential whistleblowers was not to wait. “Don’t do what I did. Don’t wait until the bombs are falling and people are dying.”
So, as we say goodbye to this remarkable man, we must also hold space for those who stand in the wings, perhaps grappling with the decision to step into the harsh light of truth. May they find strength in Ellsberg’s example, and may his words echo in their hearts. The courage to reveal the truth is a legacy he bequeathed us all. It is now up to us, and those who follow, to carry it forward. May we do so with the conviction and fearlessness he embodied throughout his life.
Rest in peace, Daniel Ellsberg. Your legacy of courage and your dedication to truth will continue to inspire generations to come.
