"The Doomsday Machine": Confessions of Daniel Ellsberg, Former Nuclear War Planner

As we remember Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, who died in June, we look at how he was also a lifelong anti-nuclear activist, stemming from his time working as a nuclear planner for the U.S. government. In December 2017, he joined us to discuss his memoir, The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner. “This was an actual war plan for how we would use the existing weapons,” he noted, “many of which I had seen already that time.”
Transcript: democracynow.org
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[@davidsookhun8211]

It's a miracle we are still here🥺RIP

[@moniqueloomis9772]

Not quite a miracle. But a timeline. Tick tock. ⏰

[@emerald3331]

Mr. Ellsberg is a hero. These days someone like him would've been locked up for the rest of their life over what he exposed.

[@markcarey67]

He would have been except Watergate happened

[@whatscookingresearch]

He wasn't locked up because they wanted their plans leaked. A bluff is useless if it is not transmitted.

[@DS-nv2ni]

This is why USA must be terminated and soon.

[@frostflower5555]

Not only is he highly intelligent, he has a heart and a good soul. May he rest in peace ♥♥♥

[@federalreservebrown2507]

one of the exremely rare good jeews

[@geraldmeehan8942]

He was intelligent. That plan was NOT

[@juanleahy2202]

Thankyou Democracy Now for producing this concerning video, especially now with regards to the conflicting Russian : Ukraine war! From a retired UK citizen who can still remember the October 1962 Cuban missle crisis, Thankyou & RIP Daniel Ellsberg.

[@rundajulesproductions7735]

I only found out about him recently when he made a statement at the rally to free Julian Assange. I really appreciate his sacrifice of time and former career, and stepping up to claim that Julian is innocent and that his criminal charges are an affront on freedom of speech and real journalism. I consider him to have been a hero fighting for our country as much, if not more, than anybody who has served in the military. In fact, he was still risking his life in service to his (and hopefully ours as Americans) ideals until the end of his life and proving he was willing to step in front of a bullet to protect those who he was fighting alongside, by saying that Julian is not guilty of anything that he himself wasn't guilty of. Bold words from somebody who has already beat that case! It would have been way easier, and even understandable, if he didn't want to bash 'the hornet's nest' after the battle he had already faced. Instead, he spoke up against injustices again; and that is heroic to me. Respect In Progress.

[@jamesleyseance1418]

Stop calling them whistle blower, but instead "truth blower "

[@jamesalec1321]

Truth-Sayers would be better.

[@RJERRh0ads4everr]

A true American, and the last of a dying breed. Godspeed, Mr.Ellsberg.....

[@Driada0830]

Unbelievable things to hear. The hell is near

[@yvesfree-assangescherdin6138]

RIP, Mr. Ellsberg. And thanks for all you have done for humanity.

[@clarec5857]

I've been injured so many times for reporting. The US needs to protect journalists and human rights workers. We are not criminals nor "crazy" for reporting difficult truths

[@Thekidisalright]

Asking the government to protect journalists is like asking the politicians don’t lobby, it will never happen in US.

[@yaoliang1580]

Your criminal leaders only support those who create anti China fake news

[@clarec5857]

Go, amy and juan... Ton, a MER a...

[@finddeniro]

Journalist Recording and reporting Crimes...Hurt & Hits..Mexican and others countries..Many killed.. The players get political jobs..Courtiers..

[@johndelamontaigne7711]

Daniel Ellsberg was a national treasure! Biden should pardon Assange and Snowden! We need to heed his warning about all the dangers of any wars that are being planned. RIP Daniel Ellsberg. Thank you for your contribution to the truth and service to humanity!

[@MikeMcgrath-yr7ge]

They sure push fear of Trump above all else, what a couple of hypocrites. Trump wasn't against free press, he always pointed out how unfair and not free it is. Fake news is real. Propaganda news is real. And of course with every conservative President they always tout nuclear war but the truth is we are always closer to war with a demonrat Prez. I loathe these people. Phony's who always try and con the less educated with fancy wordsmith.

[@laurentiat5312]

Trump came closer to pardoning assange than Biden ever will. Trump was threatened when he wanted to pardon him, his only hope is RFK

[@RobRoyBoaz]

I am more than saddened to hear of Daniel's passing. What a brave man Daniel Ellsberg was. You have worked more than enough for mankind, and you deserve to be at peace, sir. RIP Daniel

[@Tradesman1956]

what a great channel. If every news media would only provide this kind of indept information objectively and without manipulation, many common people would be able to count 1+1 and make up their mind. I remember as a child having to go through ABC exercises in school in the 1960s in Europe but listening to these plans is truly shocking. Keep up the good work !

[@JLar-bb5hl]

I enjoy listening to it on radio here in Europe. Even as a conservative. Let's unite against all unrighteousness - let's not let "them" divide us.

[@PigeonLaughter01]

​@@JLar-bb5hlhere here!

[@DS-nv2ni]

This is why USA must be terminated and soon.

[@davidwilkie9551]

As a non journalist, there must be a more appropriate word for an honest, dignified, human, Conscientious Objection to in your face evil, than Whistle-blower.

[@kellynestegard5208]

HERO

[@Mugairyuiai]

What a great man. RIP Daniel and thank you.

[@AudioPervert1]

This situation is described by Edward Herman’s “power law of access” and the “inverse power law of truthfulness,”. The greater the economic and political power, the easier it is to gain access to the media which equates to “more freedom granted, to tell complete lies”. All these mass media transmissions and thousands more, in essence have become extensions and enablers of techno-capitalism, baptized by mainstream science and well paid experts, backed by millions of yes men, women, even teenagers and children.

[@Dot-Dot-Dash]

Daniel Ellsberg was a hero!

[@ChooseCompassion]

My heart is still aching. I was expecting more respect given to him after his passing. Besides being a beautiful human being and loving family man he has so much more to offer us especially during these tenuous times. This book has been on my nightstand for a minute. I’ve been so sad about everything I’ve gone back and I’m rereading Winnie the Pooh. ✌🏼

[@boombot934]

Daniel Ellesberg is American hero😢rest in peace, great citizen😢

[@codaalive5076]

Thanks you for spreading the truth and important messages. RIP

[@stefanschleps8758]

I lived one mile from an intelligence agency, ground zero, throughout the cold war all my life. Now I'm scared. Nothings changed. Only that we can no longer remain nuclear numb. Network with others, demand complete nuclear disarmament. Do so now. We have pushed our luck for too far, for too long. Godspeed.

[@fredganoe9791]

Planners' numbers are astounding -- especially since they were totally ignorant about nuclear winter..

[@timothykalamaros2954]

Thanks. Timely reminder in time of irresponsible aggressive leadership

[@CyberspacedLoner]

The movie Oppenheimer (by Christopher Nolan) about the Manhattan Project is in theaters this summer 2023

[@finddeniro]

Release date. July 21.2023. My Korean era Father would have 94 years..1929 model..

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

Thankfully the world still has his friend and fellow American - Noam Chomsky.

[@Alex-gd9xq]

Have just started reading his book. What a legend

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Daniel was a good man and a patriot.

[@spankflaps1365]

At the end of WW2, the US Secretary of War Henry L Stimson, was shown aerial photos of Nagasaki before and after the bomb. Then he had a heart attack. He was 77 and had a heart condition, so it could have been a coincidence. He recovered but his speech was impaired, and he lived to 83.

[@Thekidisalright]

It’s karma

[@AsteroSSB]

Yes, that the USA did in Japan will follow them forever.

[@terry_willis]

The Japanese got off easy. How many young, innocent American men were murdered and tortured by those cretins? Visit some of the Veteran Cemeteries and look at the grave stones and then tell me what you think?

[@numbercruncher6242]

He was left speechless.

[@captaincrunch1707]

Hard truth. Many Americans would not be alive today had their grandfathers been forced into a ground invasion of Japan. A lot of these clowns have no idea about ww2 and the ATROCITIES committed by Japan’s military.

[@RYN988]

Remarkable man, RIP Dr. Ellsberg.

[@deecawford]

Bless his family Lord, pancreatic cancer is a horribly painful form of cancer. He was a good man. He had morals, values, and he proved his integrity.

[@tomchen513]

How I wish we have a majority of such good souls condeming the plan for an aggressive nuclear war!

[@marcusaetius9309]

Thank you for posting this.

[@AliAhmed-fq5lj]

Sad to hear that such great soul departed in these troubled times when we need them the most RIP

[@Diana-jx1ju]

I am speechless!

[@robertrichard6107]

R.I.P. Daniel. You proved we live in a Continuous War Economy Hegemonic Economic Bully State.

[@finddeniro]

Yeah..

[@100perdido]

"I wish we had one of them doomsday machines". General Buck Turgidson...Dr. Strangelove

[@gazfisher7391]

"You'll have to answer to the Coca Cola company."

[@michaelmcdonald3057]

Truly frightening listening to Mr. Ellsberg. He was in my opinion an American hero. May he finally enjoy the peace he deserves and be free from the nightmares of this mortal coil. The rest of us would do well to continue his work.

[@freespeech8293]

I hope America still has thousands of these, "Few good men," to continue helping the world. RIP Dr. Ellsberg.

[@KazbekMairbek]

Problems cannot be solved with the same level 🎚 of thinking that created them.

[@finddeniro]

General Patton..if Everyone thinking alike.. No one is thinking... Patton on Leadership..

[@gocestojanovski3723]

Rest in peace, what a great man he was...!!🙏

[@pstonge123]

How many lives did this dude save👏

[@marktaylor4496]

This is very good Amy! I never knew this! I’m quite amazed at this revelation of facts! 😮

[@philipzaccheus8398]

An ICON international JOURNALIST(RIP) and from USA included for my informative information seekers for knowledgeable knowledge seekers indeed

[@sueellerman7984]

Daniel Ellsberg A great hero! Below is a song I wrote August 2022 'Song to Julian', which I sing at rallies for Julian in Canberra at US embassy, British High commission. Julian we know you’re a hero Locked up in Belmarsh with your life on the line Julian you told us of the war crime But governments don’t want this truth to be known Oh the injustice of how you’ve been treated Rips at the hearts and the soul of our kind You hold the spirit of justice and truth And the powers that be, don’t want these values to hold. J u l i a n J u l i a n

[@juliewalker1840]

Brilliant.Thank you

[@livencali1]

This is more appropriate to call this the "manifesto of a murderous mind/empire."

[@MrGoblin60]

Regardless of his political leanings, whatever they may be, Ellsberg demonstrated a standard of education which, sadly, doesn't appear to be available today. He enunciated each proposition without profanity or slang of any kind and articulated his points with fluidity of speech and clarity of thought. This is what makes a leader and an example amongst men. Compare this to the garbled ramblings of today's Democrats and one can appreciate what I mean.

[@huntress_9441]

If 600m out of 3b died directly, how many would die from medical, food, and energy sectors being without workers, machinery, etc?

[@finddeniro]

Many Totally tribal ..I visit tough neighborhoods for Fun .and thankfully leave the hood..

[@marktaylor4496]

An American hero!

[@juliewalker1840]

Respect

[@melakunegash7556]

What a hero!May he rest in peace!

[@flyingsnow311]

What a treasure to humanity. My deepest respect to him and he's work and courage. Plus as well my condolence to he's family. Peace 🕊💜

[@whygohome172]

He did what WAS RIGHT! HERO!!!

[@judymuttari5929]

Media is not what it was, nor will it be at this rate.

[@NickUngerer]

Rest in peace, Mr. Ellsberg

[@geraldmeehan8942]

The Eisenhower plan was utter madness

[@user-EmontE70]

Mr. Ellsberg testimony for Snowden & Assange in a court of law would have been a key asset.

[@helloworld0609]

In a sense he saved the world from nuclear wars.

[@user-yq1mq6yh4k]

"postponed"

[@albertplumer]

Possibly be forgotten?😮

[@SuanLuang]

@@albertplumerAmericans will never coexist peacefully with both Russia and China. WWIII is inevitable. From 2018 The planning of WWIII. “A bipartisan commission appointed by Congress issued a lengthy report Tuesday backing the Pentagon’s plans to prepare for a “great-power” war against Russia, China, or both, making clear that the Trump administration’s belligerent policies are shared by the Democratic Party. Safe in the knowledge that its findings will never be seriously reported by the mass media, the authors of this report do not mince words about what such a war will mean. A war between the United States and China, which according to the report might break out within four years, will be “horrendous” and “devastating.” The military will “face greater losses than at any time in decades.” Such a war could lead to “rapid nuclear escalation,” and American civilians will be attacked and likely killed. It is impossible to understand anything in American politics without recognizing one fundamental reality: the events and scandals that dominate political discourse, which make it onto the evening news and into headlines on news sites and social media feeds, have precious little to do with the considerations of those who actually make decisions. The media talking heads play their assigned roles, knowing that the most important topics can be discussed only within very circumscribed limits. Those who actually make policy-a select group of high-ranking members of Congress, Pentagon officials, and think-tank staffers, as well as White House aides-speak an entirely different language among themselves, and in publications they know the general public will not read, and the media will not seriously report.

[@SuanLuang]

From June 2015-the inevitability of WWIII because Russia stopped US terrorists in Syria. “As an aggressor nation, which believes self-righteously in its superiority and views its offensive actions as defensive, the United States is deeply unhappy about the fact that Russia is bombing CIA-trained terrorists. That it armed and trained terrorists to topple a sitting government is of course not examined as problematic or as worthy to reflect on. How will the US respond to the loss of its hegemonic control over Syria? Commentator magazine argues that the Pentagon is now preparing a response whose details of course remain secret. It proposes placing US air jets near by Russian jets with the hope of provoking the Russian jets to shoot them down in order to provoke an international incident and a third world war. It argues that today as in the course of the first world war, US and Russian interests are that divergent that a world war seems inevitable, while advocating for it even as it claims with supposed innocence that such a war may just be something that has to take place. It is also possible that the US will seek to provide false intelligence on a given ISIS target at a particular area while the target happens to be a densely populated school or a hospital, in order to present Russia as a mass-killer of civilians (a position of moral superiority which it desperately seeks as they deflect attention from its own crimes). Additional scenarios may be encouraging wahabi terrorism inside the Russian Federation, orchestrating terrorist attacks in Moscow, providing Syrian rebels with missiles to bring down military jets or giving a green light to Kiev to launch a full attack on Donbass. The ideal incident would be one in which Russia is clearly presented as an aggressor in the US public opinion and as a situation in which an argument can be made that the US must attack Russia as a matter of self-defense. Americans can be easily deceived into believing that Russia attacked US soldiers out of the blue and therefore Russia should take extra precautions to avoid into such traps.”

[@SuanLuang]

From the late 2019 forecast update from Deagel, Guide to Military and Civil Aviation The situation between the three great powers has changed dramatically. The only relevant achievement of the Western powers during the past decade has been the formation of a strategic alliance, both military and economic, between Russia and China. Right now the potential partnership between Russia and the European Union (EU) is dead with Russia turning definitively towards China. That was from the beginning the most likely outcome. Russia has been preparing for a major war since 2008 and China has been increasing her military capabilities for the last 20 years. Today China is not a second tier power compared with the United States. Both in military and economic terms China is at the same level and in some specific areas are far ahead. Six years ago the likelihood of a major war was tiny. Since then it has grown steadily and dramatically and today is by far the most likely major event in the 2020s. The ultimate conflict can come from two ways. A conventional conflict involving at least two major powers that escalates into an open nuclear war. A second scenario is possible in the 2025-2030 timeframe. A Russian sneak first strike against the United States and its allies with the new S-500, strategic missile defenses, Yasen-M submarines, INF Zircon and Kalibr missiles and some new space asset playing the key role. The sneak first strike would involve all Russian missile strategic forces branches (bombers and ground-based missiles) at the different stages of such attack that would be strategic translation of what was seen in Syria in November 2015. There was no report that the Russian had such a capability of launching a high precision, multiple, combined arms attack at targets 2,000+ kilometers away. Western intelligence had no clue. The irony is that since the end of the Cold War the United States has been maneuvering through NATO to achieve a position to execute a first strike over Russia and now it seems that the first strike may occur but the country finished would be the United States.

[@livencali1]

No words. The lengths some people will go just to display themselves to others and to maintain power.

[@jodywho6696]

Thank You Amy✨💚✨🇺🇸✨😊✨💙

[@normlor]

REALLY GOOD INFORMATION BUT VERY SCARY!!

[@yaoliang1580]

Evil knows no bounds

[@mcnicepidii3340]

I thumbs'ed this up because I like his courage and morality, I don't 'like; that he has died. I hope his brave words of warning reach us all in time, so that his life was not in vain. RIP you brave soul. xx

[@oumsu1162]

Thank you so much ❤ you will be missed. Rest in peace Sir

[@jessiemccullough1]

Great information and also great reporting. Thank you Amy.

[@Bened-qu6nu]

Why do we always lose the good ones and Blair and Bush still haunt us?

[@sknmwms6516]

He did what journalists do exposed injustice for free!

[@damintten]

Rest in power Daniel!!!

[@pezpeculiar9557]

He made such great contributions to humanity. A person with the guts to do what's right in the face of serious punishment.

[@berniv7375]

Yes. A true American hero. Such people give us all hope. We all need to honour his memory by continuing to fight the good fight. We must categorically oppose nuclear weapons and work to disarm them in every country.🗽

[@deanovanhalen69]

It's clear who the mad nation is after hearing this. He nailed it pure Evil that is still in play today. Scary times

[@conniestone6251]

Highly interesting for TODAY that he brought up the « top secret plans for War with IRAN » !!!

[@WorldPeace-AdamNeira]

Daniel Ellsberg was a good man. His merit points exceeded his demerit points. This is an important video.

[@kludgedude]

Irony that we have to threaten the world with destruction to assure its security

[@dasssjam7413]

Rip. mr. Ellsberg

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Such a great and kind mind and soul. A man of extreme conscious and love of humanity.

[@johnnychannel7824]

This guy saved the World. ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@moniqueloomis9772]

Ha! China has been at war with the USA for decades! All Out War. Long before Tik Tok...

[@ghahandi]

Daniel Ellsberg is in a good place presently. He contributed a great service to America and humanity.

[@TheJonnyEnglish]

Doomsday Machine is a fantastic book that every American should read.

[@yaoliang1580]

Unfortunately the majority of the Americans refuse to face the truth as they don't want their illusions shattered

[@bbegins10]

Dr Strangelove is a documentary

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

If it were, you wouldn't be here. But don't worry, on this channel even the most absurd hyperbole is acceptable if pointed in the right direction.

[@EamonCoyle]

A great man whose humanity survived the many devilments of society that so many who find greatness fall victim to.

[@azzurra9874]

RIP Mr. Ellsberg, thank you for your sacrifice.

[@talabeans7965]

This man is a template for what it means to me to be an American

[@Thekidisalright]

Rem how the politicians and vets called him a traitor and said he should be executed? Those are Americans too.

[@anatacle5903]

Thank you!

[@puggleski6097]

A ridiculously simple yet effective bluff : "ALL IN" cries Eisenhower. Russia blinks. China blinks. Western Europe shuts its eyes and starts praying.

[@UBETUBEME]

Every citizens should question authorities Hold them accountable for their actions Power to the people now Stand up to bullies hating fearing lying politicians and elites Democracy ! Or forever be enslaved and oppressed by them Boycott it works No violence No blood shed

[@leighmurrell5494]

We lost a gentleman, an international treasure and a warrior for true freedom and peace. The world is not in a better place with his death.

[@IAM_SALEM]

I hope we heed his words!

[@beerman204]

What we need is a structure called the United Nations or such that can address the issue of nuclear conflict.... Oh wait, we do have such an organization... I forgot.....

[@pertevdural4513]

Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

[@deeone5326]

I thought that I was not permitted to hate, I rarely feel hate but I recently read that GOD hated and despised corrupt peoples and unjust people, HE stated that HE will crush them. I hate corruption and those who enable and facilitate corruption, chaos, killing of innocents in every form and I hereby pray that Our Heavenly Father will give us signs that HE is nearby holding our hands through this final passage to the other side. Amen. Thank you❤❤❤

[@marclesi]

Incredible ! I never heard about that before

[@russelltan2309]

The world owed their precarious existence to the likes of Ellsberg, Assange and Snowden etc.

[@boeingdriver29]

A great man indeed. Rest in Power.

[@GS-kj5pc]

RIP to a real one

[@markcampbell7577]

The nuclear test ban treaty was ratified by Congress and signed by president Kennedy. The nuclear nonproliferation treaty enforcement and obligations are based on the reality of nuclear cascade and we have agreed not to contribute to the nuclear cascade with nuclear technology. We agreed with the USSR and do not develop build or share nuclear technology. This treaty was ratified by Congress and signed by president Ronald Reagan but violated immediately by sending nuclear technology to Iran nkorea and China..

[@gggg-xv7nb]

False. China already had nukes before Reagan. There is 0 evidence of Russia sharing nuclear technology with Iran and NK. In any case, nuclear technology is mundane enough now a team of educated scientists can easily piece it together from publicly available information on the internet

[@ESPskincare]

Rest in Peace..

[@christopherbic7688]

Excellent discussion

[@MarkShinnick]

A Hero too many confused fools won't take a moment to understand.

[@lwells3937]

Can you imagine having that much blood on your hands. And I'll bet they didn't even blink. This is why Eisenhower warned us about the military industrial complex

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

What are you babbling about? The plans Ellsberg was talking about have never been executed, and arguably prevented all direct war - nuclear or conventional - between the Soviet Union and the U.S./Europe throughout the Cold War. Unfortunately the U.S. has since followed a policy of abject resignation and appeasement of the Russian imperialist dictatorship, leading to tge horrific devastation of Syria and Ukraine that we now witness. How much blood is on your hands, btw? Have you blinked?

[@marianhunt8899]

Psychotic greed, all done to keep their profits high.

[@marianhunt8899]

Psychotic greed, all done to keep their profits high.

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

@@marianhunt8899 You have no idea what you're talking about.

[@strezztechnoid]

Also delegated down to IC (or IC adjacent) deputy secretaries under Presidential Policy Directive 20.

[@BigFatHeretic]

The Doomsday Machine! Sounds like a real life version of DR STRANGE LOVE!!!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

In the book, he recounts the day him and a Rand Corp colleague was the film. Leaving the theater after, he commented that what they just saw was not satire but a documentary!

[@theresbob8878]

Time for a third party simply called the TRUTH PARTY.

[@deeone5326]

DANIEL stays TRUE to his DESTINY, unwavering in spite of his existence in the tension between heaven & hell, DANIEL consistently chooses HEAVEN (which cannot wait, as it is alive and well, thank you very much❤); CT JUL/AUG 2023 p. 85 FIXING OUR JUSTICE -LITE FAITH. (excerpt) “…RHODES finally (FIN) lands on the {DANIEL OPTION] ❤❤❤me says Life Changer❤❤❤. DANIEL was ABLE to operate within the BABYLONIAN (we are spiritual babies, we are still babbling and drooling for fleshly things) GOVERNMENT whilst retaining INTEGRITY (lost in space, judges whacking off in court) to speak TRUTH to power and OPPOSE CORRUPTION. DANIEL unlike Joseph recognizes that you CANNOT seek the welfare of the EMPIRE without CONFRONTING the RAMpant INJUSTICE of the EMPIRE. ACT 1😊😊😊