A Lifetime of Whistleblowing
6 days ago marked 3 years since the death of Daniel Ellsberg, who died rather late (aged 92) and was an active writer until his dying breath. He was preparing for his death and knew roughly how much time he had left. He spoke strongly in support of Chelsea Manning and other courageous whistleblowers.
Ellsberg did not have an easy life, but it was a rewarding life with a rich legacy focusing on justice, with particular focus on antiwar activism.
At a late stage in his life he wrote a book about the dangers of nuclear weapons and he created a Web site where he blogged for a bit, especially to express his support for Julian Assange and openly explain that what had been done to him (many decades earlier) was also being done to Assange.
Before Assange got kidnapped inside the embassy he openly said that he would trade his freedom/liberty (to the extent a single building in Belgravia counts as that) to have Manning liberated or pardoned.
Eventually Manning became a free woman and decided to become a national celebrity with political ambitions.
In 2024, almost exactly a year after the death of Ellsberg, Assange was released and he returned home to Australia with his family. He enjoys time with his wife and two kids; habitually he participates in protests and uses his "celebrity status" for some modest activism.
A Monument to Courage. The Art of Revolt comes to mind.
Ellsberg, Assange and Manning are notable examples that people who sacrifice for the common good can prevail and overcome perils. █
Related but older:
Image source: Ellsberg speaking in 2008
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