After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis, Daniel Ellsberg Reflects on Leaking Pentagon Papers & His Legacy

[@guymerritt4860]

My Dad spent four years on a string of islands in the Pacific during World War II. Unlike most of my friends, when I was growing up my Dad talked little about his war experience and was clearly not a fan of war. He wasn't wounded but almost died of malnutrition and severe hepatitis in the Philippines. He joined the VFW primarily because the beer was cheap, I think. He was a voracious reader and a very smart man. I graduated in 1970 and the war was winding down but people were still getting drafted. He said to me, "Butch, this is nothing but a political war - do whatever you have to do to stay out of this thing." Ellsberg was right, and, so was my Dad. Sane patriotism is underrated. Patriotism is fine, but, we have an intellectual duty to question things. When people stop feeling an obligation to question things we are no longer a democracy.

[@cynthiamadrid1430]

After losing a few friends in Vietnam, I am proud to say I protested that war in part because of Daniel Ellsberg's illuminating truth. Thank you for your COURAGE.

[@mzny4314]

Unfortunately all of the newspapers are owned by 4 corporations. We will never have a pentagon papers moment again. Thank you Daniel Ellsberg ❤❤❤

[@tinatang1]

Was Daniel Elsberg ever a Senator?

[@DonnaMayStanish]

cynthiamadrid1430 - 🫂❤️

[@KASH10043]

A man to be truly admired and there aren't a lot of those around. When anyone says that one person can't possibly make a difference, tell them about Danial Ellsberg

[@ilexevergreen5405]

*Daniel

[@caroljohnsonvaughn6793]

Thank You for making a difference.

[@DonnaMayStanish]

KASH10043 - How true is this?! One person can make a difference. 💖

[@f.l.1257]

My father, Eddie Lunsford, was a Vietnam vet. Sadly, in 1986, he took his own life. Thank you for this important segment.

[@posadafan2058]

So sad; very sorry for your loss of your dad (and what the war did to him).

[@f.l.1257]

@@posadafan2058 Thank you so much for your words. Take care

[@jean6872]

*_It hurts still. Resisting the actions of immoral men and their subordinates is a constant struggle paid with the lives of so many. My condolences._*

[@fasteddie9055]

From one vet to another , RIP sir.

[@f.l.1257]

@@jean6872 Thank you

[@rickelliott3683]

A heart felt thanks to Daniel for his morality and all that he has done. May you have peace and tranquility in your final days. Thank you Amy for presenting this interview.

[@cannabis1490]

Highest respect to you Mr. Ellesberg for your role in making this a world a better place! Greatly appreciated!

[@Splinter8859]

What a beautiful man having a last chat with you in a professional manner. Still sharing the message. Rest in Power. Condolences to you Truth Tellers 🙏🏽

[@davidwilkie9551]

Stopping the Forever War mentality is the most dangerous activity any genuine human person can undertake.

[@6789uiop]

The great Mr Elsberg prevented me from enlisting and going to Vietnam. Whistleblowers have been my heroes since. My sweet sweet wife has cancer and is the kindest person I've come across in my time on this spinning ball of mud.

[@DonnaMayStanish]

billytheweasel - My thoughts are with you. 🫂❤️

[@dabay200]

Ellsberg is a hero - amazing person, and having enough time to say goodbye to everyone without fighting a losing battle with cancer was the right decision, he will certainly be missed by very many people.

[@christinaulibarri4777]

Thank you Ms. Goodman and Democracy Now for this interview with Mr. Ellsberg.

[@GregoryJWalters]

What a beautiful moment between Daniel and Amy at the outset. I cannot see through my tears to Thank a Great American who influenced so many of us in the anti-Vietnam War and Peace Movement to rid the world of Nuclear Weapons. Thank you Sir! Salute! Job extraordinarily accomplished in your much appreciated life. Bon courage!❤

[@boombot934]

May you live longer, dear Daniel Ellsberg❤😊😢!

[@maithanhnguyen1428]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ To. Mr Daniel Ellsberg, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your brave help to my country and its population! I am Vietnamese.

[@DonnaMayStanish]

maithanhnguyen1428 - 🫂❤️

[@fredganoe9791]

Dr. Ellsberg is a corageous hero. We must strive to keep his legacy alive and grow it. So sad to learn of his illness. Thank you Dan.

[@Dot-Dot-Dash]

What a life worth living and he is so very brave! Helping people with his last days of life.

[@leealexander3507]

I'll never forget when a bunch of us surrounded the Nixon Whitehouse but what pleased me most was finding out how badly we had scared him. He thought we were going to break in and get them. To this day that memory brings a smile to my face in spite of my age and poor health.

[@alecgrolimond1678]

Daniel Ellsberg thank you for your wonderful life and what you have done.

[@ChooseCompassion]

I have so much love and respect for this man. ❤

[@ChooseCompassion]

He actually looks amazing. And he still has a healthy sharp mind. He will be sorely missed. 💔

[@hermangill8989]

Right! 92!!

[@cheri238]

We love you Mr. Daniel Ellsberg . I want to send so much love to all your family and friends and all our world for your dedication to truth. (An inspiration to all of us.) There are no endings, just new beginnings. What a legacy you have given freely to all of us and I thank you with all my heart. My brother, Tommy Wayne Wheeler was on the USS Liberty Navel Ship, the six day war 1967. May we all remember all those who served in wars, those that died and all those who lived with demons, many suicides, because of wars for profits. People are irreplaceable in all nations. All have families and children. No more wars. Peaceful solutions and new ideas for the betterment for all humanity. Free Julian Assange

[@emil.jansson]

So sad to hear. Pancreatic cancer is a difficult cancer to do much about. Long live Daniel Elsberg ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿.

[@drpoundsign]

I'm a physician, and lost a Loved One to it-back in the Eighties.

[@emil.jansson]

@@drpoundsign Sad to hear that. My father is also a doctor, he is retired now, he is an oncologist and he is always talking about cancer and as far as I can tell pancreatic is a really bad one but of course all cancers are bad but that one seems more aggressive.

[@drpoundsign]

@@emil.jansson That Upper Right Quadrant of the Abdomen is Truly the Mekong Delta of the Human Body. Cancer in the Pancreas, Gall Bladder, or Liver-are Bad News. The First two spread to the Liver. That's what happened to Jeopardy Host Alex Trebeck. Researchers are working on noninvasive tests to diagnose Pancreatic Cancer, Early on. Patients can live five years (and, occasionally, Beat the Disease) if the Tumor is small, and has not spread. My loved one had that operation, but it came back later. There was no effective Chemotherapy for it back then.

[@carlitoshoway]

2 legendary activist of the truth. This is one epic interview. Sadly to loose this wonderful healthy brain. Thanks and Bravo Amy!!! I want to interview you 🙏🏻👏🙌🏽

[@user-ti3vp9mt3z]

A beautiful man. May we remember and and always carry on his legacy

[@JeffLemmon-kh4nm]

A great report from one of our greatest peers.Thank you!

[@user-ti3vp9mt3z]

His comments were tremendously important insights that we needed to hear. Gratitude and blessings to the Ellsbergs for your service to our country.💞

[@megarachnid]

Much respect to Daniel Ellsberg, a true hero.

[@cjfulbright]

Praying for him and his family.

[@amp9672]

Heartbreaking to hear Ellsberg has this terminal cancer. Long live a national hero indeed. 🙏

[@octane7047]

Dear Mr. Daniel Ellsberg, As a young Vietnamese, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to you for your courageous act of leaking the Pentagon Papers. Your actions not only changed the course of history but also had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, including mine. Growing up, I have heard stories from my parents and grandparents about the devastating effects of the Vietnam War. The pain, suffering, and loss experienced by my fellow countrymen and women were immeasurable. The war tore families apart, destroyed communities, and left scars that are still healing to this day. Your decision to leak the Pentagon Papers brought to light the truth about the war, exposing the lies and deceit that had been perpetuated for so long. Your bravery and unwavering commitment to justice helped bring an end to a conflict that had caused immense suffering. I cannot fully express the gratitude I feel for your actions. Thanks to you, future generations like mine can grow up in a world where transparency and accountability are valued. Your legacy serves as a reminder that one person can make a difference, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Your courage inspires me to stand up for what is right and to question authority when necessary. I am filled with hope that, through the power of truth and the actions of individuals like yourself, we can prevent such unnecessary suffering and devastation in the future. Once again, thank you, Mr. Daniel Ellsberg, for your immense contribution to ending the Vietnam War. Your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. With deepest respect and appreciation, Frank Le

[@DonnaMayStanish]

octane7047 - Frank, your letter touched my heart. It is beautiful. I am an American, born and raised. I am so sorry for all the hell your family and friends had suffered. I am certain Mr. Ellsberg has read and greatly appreciated your sincere thoughts. It meant a lot to me, and I have shared this video link with my 21-year old son. He thinks as I do, so I have hope for the future. This generation has been different than even my generation. I see many young adults wishing for change, and I hope and pray it occurs. All the best to you, your family and friends, and blessings for peace and happiness. You definitely deserve it. Take care. 🫂❤️

[@SajidKhan-jg8bk]

Thanks Amy for this great interview!

[@asahmed1980]

A hero. A real one. Thank you Dr Ellsberg for fighting for us all. I came back to edit the comment. I'm glad I watched this interview before he passed away. Vale Dr Daniel Ellsberg.

[@Joaocruz30]

Dear sir, I wish you happiness, health and lots of love and care from your readers/listeners!

[@GueveraianKingsian]

Sir Ellsberg I am an African aged 40 years. You have been an inspiration to me since I was 20/21 years. I have been a follower of your cherished work, as well that of your brilliant comrades Sir Noam Chomsky and the equally great Sir Howard Zinn; and all due to the ever warm courtesy, of dearest Amy Goodman. Rest assured Kind and Brave Beloved Sir, your amazing life's impact on this troubled globe and upon its many Truth-seeking souls, has surely crafted better alternatives to war and imperial wanton destruction. I love you so much that if The Eternal ONE of LOVE DIVINE, would ask me to give you my own allotted earthly time, for you and your lovely Wife, to keep doing your most esteemed service to humanity; without question you would have my very present breath. May The BELOVED GOD OF LOVE ABBA YAHWEH fill you and your lovely Mrs with "HIS" Gentle Divine Soulful PEACE.

[@DonnaMayStanish]

GueveraianKingsian - What a beautiful tribute. Bless you, your family and friends. ❤️🫂

[@DonnaMayStanish]

GueveraianKingsian - Mr. Ellsberg is my hero, too. I believe in the power of one person. I always have. This gentleman most certainly proves it. 💖

[@tonylang7526]

ONE OF MY TREASURED HEROES SINCE 1971 -- I WAS A COLLEGE JUNIOR AND DID AN ABOUT-FACE LARGELY BASED ON ELLSBERGS REVELATIONS.

[@jacquirimown3886]

The pride he expressed that his children have been arrested was great.

[@adamsimon8220]

Wow. I’m very sad to learn this! I wish DN could have him on once a week for as long as he’s willing and able going forward. Such a human… it’s rare to have circumstances align to where someone has the combination of intelligence, decency, and opportunity as DE. I will be sadder in the days to come when I will, on occasion, remember that he no longer walks (and talks) among us. Even the prospect now makes the day a little more dreary.

[@boonhongchan1853]

Thank you Mr. Daniel Ellsgerg. Thank you Amy Goodman and Thank you Democracy Now. All good works!!! Much appreciated. Unfortunately too underappreciated by many. Otherwise this is a much better world. Keep up your best works. Thank you again.

[@anhedonic-voting]

Thank you 🌎✊🗽🌹

[@caroljohnsonvaughn6793]

Thank You for your humanity. Caring for what is right and standing up for so long. Gods Speed sir…..

[@Marielenas]

As a young woman, I had such a crush on him. He was such an influence. He made so much sense to me. I'm dealing with cancer now. I'm taking lots and lots of Turkey Tail mushroom. Every time you say goodbye take a capsule of it. GOD'S SPEED

[@Marielenas]

Please fight for your life. We still need you. God bless you and your life

[@kx7500]

I thought the reply was someone else talking about you, either way I agree. The world needs you. Keep going, exercise and be happy, fight for the long term!

[@siraaeynoor]

What an amazing interview!!!

[@yarajamal1782]

Praying for you!

[@rabblerousin8981]

Mr. Ellsberg has just passed over. 2023 and his contributions to democracy remain as desperate and timely as in the heat of Vietnam. Rest in peace, to a true gentleman and man of honor. We’ll feel your loss and heed your contributions as we slide ever-forward into the abyss of imperiling corporocracy.

[@DonnaMayStanish]

rabblerousin8981 - Beautiful ❤️ Also, so very true. God help us.

[@ivorykhan159]

What a noble man Ellsberg is. The likes of whom we will never see again in the US.

[@PeaceNYC2011]

Thank you Mr. Ellsberg for your courage and your being a truly patriotic American. With so many haircuts that pass as men today you are an outstanding American. You changed America for the better. We need more brave whistleblowers like you.

[@ehemalssimehtt3739]

❤ Daniel Ellsberg ❤

[@VeganTrove]

Thanks Daniel for everything ♥️♥️♥️

[@GREGORPRODUCTIONS]

Thank you cannot cover the appreciation I feel for your life and work. Know it is meant with total respect.

[@veteranscannabisadvocacygr5401]

✨🌎 Much ❤ Massive Respect ✊ Mr. Ellsberg ~ Thanks for your Courage, Leadership & Integrity for Advancement Of Peace & Goodwill between All Peoples, Tribes & Tongues 📡

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

Amy, you are amazing. Thanks for this interview and for your extreme kindness.

[@mtnwriter4011]

Two of the most corrupt American politicians who ever lived were Kissinger and Nixon - both of whom should have gone to prison, and didn't - because of a corrupt system that they knew would protect them. I can't even look at their photos today (I still hold such contempt for them). It took a lot of backbone, bravery, and perseverance to do what Ellsberg did, and others. The same goes today for Snowden, Assange, and Manning. These are the "true" American heroes of our time. It's EASY to blindly go along with a system that says to put on a uniform, salute, and go somewhere to die. It's "mindless" work because you're told not to think (and Americans are not thinkers - they're "doers"). What is extremely difficult is to stand up against that system, to think with a conscience, and to say that the whole thing is wrong. "That's" heroism.

[@wendyfaith1048]

Nixon was a horror of a human and a worse president. He perpetuated violence on the world stage and toward American citizens. American youth were killed without conscience or consequences. He had no remorse for any of his crimes against humanity. A war criminal of the first degree.

[@markharmon4963]

Really? More corrupt than Biden and Trump.

[@teresathayn5170]

My childhood is scarred by the Vietnam War. No child should ever be exposed to such daily images! It sucked! Thank you for opposing it Sir!

[@dividedconquered3784]

This generation of truth tellers are dying, and will we hold the powerful to account?? I hope so!! Noam is a hero too!

[@Erschophone]

Will they forbid us to hold the powerful to account? The Ellsburgs and Chomskys of this generation are either jail or in exile...

[@zaharralane3753]

Thank you for speaking truth to power, making the world a better place, and a wonderful legacy.

[@36cmbr]

Thanks for your courageous actions and ethical perspective, Mr. Ellsberg. When I remind myself that people like yourself and all those at Democracy Now are my very best buddies, I am gratified.

[@KOMET2006]

As someone who lived through the 1970s whose political consciousness began (while in elementary school) with Watergate, we Americans all owe DANIEL ELLSBERG a great debt. Dr. Ellsberg, I salute you, sir.

[@jessicachadwick9457]

FREE JULIAN ASSANGE, HERO!!! FROM BELMARSH. 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@observing8686]

An actual American hero.

[@baibamennika4480]

I feel angry that all multi billion Biotech industry was not able to find a cure for man like him....

[@kx7500]

As much as pharmaceutical companies are bad there are good reasons as to why a simple cure for cancer cannot be found. Cancer is a disease fundamental to the concept of life itself, there are only ways to combat it rather than a simple cure. The main one is prevention methods which your body is evolved for and which you can help function properly.

[@chriskkk1]

Thank You from Germany 🇩🇪🌿🕊❤

[@sdeshera]

Such a hero. A national treasure. This is a very sad day.

[@leealexander3507]

It breaks my heart although we all have to go sometime. Pancreatic cancer is dreadfully painful in the end. I've lost a lot of good friends to it.

[@NJK-777]

My father died from pancreatic cancer, it’s the most difficult thing anyone can go through. May God strengthen Mr. Ellsberg, and watch over him,as he walks through this fearlessly. 🙏❤️ He deserves a Nobel peace prize!!!

[@edwardroche2480]

Daniel may not realize it but he saved thousands of lives

[@D.u.d.e.r]

Thank u Mr. Ellsberg for standing and protecting truth against all odds and circumstances! Your gift of freedom and liberty to common people and society is forever alive - rest in peace!🥀

[@liamtaggart57]

What a man! What a life. What bravery he displayed throughout his life. A journalist to hopefully inspire backbone in the weak writers of today. RIP Daniel. You’ll always be remembered 🇮🇪🇺🇸

[@jacquirimown3886]

Brave man. Sad that we don’t have those hero’s coming forward anymore.

[@markharmon4963]

Ellsberg died supporting Julian Assange and Mumia Abu Jamal.

[@Erschophone]

We do have heroes (Assange, Snowden, Chelsea Manning, Reality Winner et al) it's just up to us to support them.

[@dyoung3648]

Free Julian

[@SuperCaliforniaBarbi]

RIP Daniel. Met him at a friend's house where he was introduced as Uncle Danny gosh wish I'd known the questions

[@ronaldzent6321]

Daniel Ellsberg is such a great example of courage, his color looks good, has good positive energy, he seems to have always worked for justice and truth, no chemotherapy, I've heard some Chemo treatments can be draining and harsh, keep on trucking Mr Ellsberg!

[@posadafan2058]

Fascinating. I really didn’t know the history behind The Pentagon Papers. Thank you, Mr. Ellsberg. (Why was this interview cut off?)

[@jeanneelliott7243]

Elsberg is an American Hero. RIP.

[@samisaac-kk6en]

Daniel Ellsberg is live well lived! ,great service to liberal democracy ,specially American people. Thank you and will see you next good live if there is one. peace.

[@cleoxo2566]

Ellsberg, a true patriot, and a courageous American hero. When his time comes, if there is a heaven, he deserves to resides there.

[@stephenwallace8782]

Well done, Daniel Ellsberg. Rest in peace.

[@Kelly7965]

R I P Mr. Daniel😢

[@judithgrace9850]

Thank you Dan Thank you

[@fasteddie9055]

I served in Vietnam during 1971. That was the same yr. that Ellsberg ''whistleblew'' the war to the NY Times. At first I mistrusted Ellsberg b/c he was a DOD analyst . I was anti war , and I had very little respect for draft dodgers and those who never served especially the college snobs. I studies a lot of current events , especially Watergate and later the Pentagon Papers . As soon as I read about the 1954 Dien Bien Phu Viet Minh victory, a light went on in my brain. My readings all clearly indicated that based on the French experience, the war was unwinnable. The Ellsberg expose clearly put America on notice about the futility of the war. When I read that ex USMC Lt. Ellsberg had gone out into combat zone to analyze the war efforts, I knew that Ellsberg was legit. I didn't follow his trial too closely. But I am sure that had he been tried in the current ultra conservative political scenario, his ''not guilty'' verdict would have been very different.

[@markharmon4963]

Yes. Biden AND Trump would have him on a stick. Biden is pressing the Trump accusations against Julian Assange.

[@AB-wl8kr]

May his legacy live on forever! Free Julian Assange!

[@xenocampanoli815]

Thank you, Mr. Ellsberg.

[@bovinityleak2066]

Damn…90’s?! Age is definitely just a number. Peace ❤

[@Miguel_El_Chileno]

Daniel were a Great Hero in the Fight against the Military Industrial Complex and the Billionaire Oligarchy who hold the Real Power in the Corporate State

[@Cosmicb699]

Thank you hero. 🙏🏽

[@analyticalmindset]

Every American needs to watch this interview

[@abejaamarilla4961]

It is incledible that people still NEEDS SOMEONE TO TELL THEM FROM RIGH TO WRONG! It is nice that this guy Ellsberg still living in USA, BUT SAD FOR OTHER ONES like Assange or Snowden etc etc. PEOPLE I LEARNED WELK FROM WRIGHT TO WRONG!!. Just see what usa is doing to Sudan, or how the hyenas are ripping Ukraine..so sad..only because groups of interests dominating the world..

[@Nambo_Chimbanskey]

Rest In Peace

[@missjuliepiano]

RIP Daniel Ellsberg

[@tuffgongrastafari6825]

God bless this man.

[@yarajamal1782]

How did Daniel scape getting in prison, and Assange did not?

[@ngkeam9491]

@Yara- a difference in the parameter of leniency, it is stricter now than before!! add fat!

[@bigscorchy3239]

Celebrated as an American hero, but Julian Assange not so much….hmmm

[@stuarthipkins8336]

My hero..i was a wistleblower..for and to the united states airforce..proudly.

[@DougGrinbergs]

Still wondering why Ellsberg didn't simply copy the most damaging few pages... at less time, effort and personal, professional risk...

[@amane49]

What a GREAT MAN!!!

[@melaniedeason7813]

Ellsberg and Snowden - two great men whom the world should respect and honor for truth telling!

[@tomallen5837]

Only one left out of these three musketeers ....Noam Chomsky. RIP Daniel Ellsberg

[@clerawk]

What a hero!

[@edwardjones2202]

RIP great man

[@alysoneaston5539]

I danced with him in the 80s

[@stuarthipkins8336]

My hero..an american hero.

[@luanp.hasnay2600]

A great American.