Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers Whistleblower, Dies at 92

Daniel Ellsberg, the famous whistleblower who gained international attention for leaking the Pentagon Papers, has died at the age of 92. Ellsberg’s family confirmed his death on Friday, months after he announced that he had been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer.

Background

The Pentagon Papers were a collection of classified documents that exposed US government knowledge of the futility of the Vietnam War, and revealed that successive administrations were aware the US could not win. Ellsberg, who had served in the US Marine Corps, leaked the documents to several newspapers, including the New York Times and the Washington Post, after the Supreme Court overruled the Nixon administration on whether publication threatened national security.

Tributes Pour In

Elsberg’s death has been mourned by many, including former journalists, political commentators, and other notable figures. Alan Rusbridger, the former editor-in-chief of the Guardian, praised Ellsberg’s bravery and significance in exposing the truth of the war. Pulitzer-winning journalist Wesley Lowery said he was honored to have known Ellsberg, while MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan called him a “patriotic American” and a “huge loss to the country.”

The Final Months

The family’s statement said that Ellsberg “was not in pain” when he died. In his final months, Ellsberg spent time enjoying his favorite foods and watching his favorite movies. He had also announced that he had chosen not to undergo chemotherapy and had been assured of hospice care.

Recruitment and Training

Thousands of Russian convicts were employed by the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary army, during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The group promised to pardon them if they survived six months of the war. The group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, toured Russia’s prison system to bolster his private army and personally recruited some of the convicts.

Combat in Ukraine

The convicts joined Wagner in return for a pardon, but ended up fighting in Ukraine and seeing some of the most intense fighting of the one-year-old conflict. The battle for the city of Bakhmut now hangs in the balance. At least 30 men were identified by cross-checking social media and Russian court documents, and several are in hospital recovering from wounds sustained in the fighting.

Fixed Points in Time

The concept of time travel and fixed points in time is explored in “The Flash” movie, which is the latest blockbuster to deal with the topic. Time travel gets very confusing, very quickly and the movie attempts to answer some of these questions.

The Death of Ellsberg

The death of Ellsberg was announced months after he revealed his diagnosis. The passing of the famous whistleblower was mourned by many, including former journalists, political commentators, and other notable figures.

The Pentagon Papers

The Pentagon Papers were classified documents that exposed US government knowledge of the futility of the Vietnam War. Ellsberg leaked the documents to several newspapers, including the New York Times and the Washington Post, after the Supreme Court overruled the Nixon administration on whether publication threatened national security.

Wagner Group’s Convict Army

Thousands of Russian convicts were employed by the Wagner Group during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The group promised to pardon them if they survived six months of the war. Many of the convicts were personally recruited by the group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who toured Russia’s prison system to bolster his private army.

The Flash Movie and Time Travel

The Flash is the latest blockbuster movie to deal with the concept of time travel. As with other movies featuring time travel, this can often be confusing. The Flash attempts to address some of these concepts in its story.

Ellsberg’s Final Months

Daniel Ellsberg spent time enjoying his favorite foods and watching his favorite movies in his final months. He had chosen not to undergo chemotherapy and had been assured of hospice care.

Conclusion

Daniel Ellsberg’s passing has been mourned by many, who praised his bravery and significance in exposing the truth of the Vietnam War. Additionally, a Russian mercenary army called Wagner Group recruited convicts from prisons to join in the Ukraine conflict, promising to pardon them if they survived six months of the war. The recent movie “The Flash” is the latest blockbuster to address the concept of time travel.

FAQ

What were the Pentagon Papers?

The Pentagon Papers were classified documents that exposed US government knowledge of the futility of the Vietnam War.

Who was Daniel Ellsberg?

Daniel Ellsberg was a famous whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers to several newspapers, including the New York Times and the Washington Post.

How did the Wagner Group recruit convicts?

The Wagner Group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, toured Russia’s prison system to bolster his private army and personally recruited some of the convicts who were promised a pardon if they survived six months of the war.

What was Daniel Ellsberg’s final decision about chemotherapy?

Daniel Ellsberg chose not to undergo chemotherapy and had been assured of hospice care in his final months.

What is time travel?

Time travel is the concept of moving between different points in time. It is often explored in movies and TV shows, but can be confusing to understand.