The power of one man

June 9, 2011 Erik Ernst Leave a Comment

Watch POV – The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers at 9 p.m. Friday, June 10 on Wisconsin Public Television.

Leaks of information — from government secrets to legislative scandals — have filled recent headlines. But, it is important to be reminded that this is not a new phenomenon. And while it is possible to debate the merits of each individual case, time allows us the opportunity to look back and see how some of these leaks have changed the face of history.

One such case is outlined in this program. By leaking thousands of pages of government documents to the New York Times, Vietnam War strategist Daniel Ellsberg triggered the beginning of the Watergate scandal and the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon and set the path for ending the Vietnam War.

Before you watch the powerful documentary, take a look at this interview with Ellsberg and his wife Patricia, who talk about their participation in the film.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcCIX7DyE0s]

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