"The Most Dangerous Man in America"

The snow is still piled up in DC - but at least its piled at the side of the streets! Streets are generally clear, especially in downtown. Sidewalks generally passable, though one has to climb over mounds of snow at times, just to reach the next sidewalk! Federal Government is gradually reopening, schools should be back next week, etc. Quite an unprecedented amount of snow for this area - it sets an all-time record (going back to the 1800's).

Saw an excellent film last evening, "The Most Dangerous Man in America," about defense analyst-turned-activist Daniel Ellsberg. He was at last evening's screening, along with former Senator Mike Gravel and the filmmaker. They are trying to have the film considered for the Oscars Documentary category - a la Al Gore!

The film is a fascinating look at the life of Daniel Ellsberg, the Rand defense analyst who attended an anti-war rally and was greatly influenced by Randy Kehler, a Vietnam War draft resister. Ellsberg decided to publish the Pentagon Papers, a study of the War in Vietnam, and how to fight the war strategically. He was opposed, of course, by the Nixon Adminstration, which feared the release of war strategy - as well as comments by Nixon and Kissinger regarding possible use of nuclear weapons in Vietnam.

The New York Times -and eventually - Washington Post challenged an order of prior restraint, preventing them from publishing the papers. The US Supreme Court, in what is still a leading precedent on First Amendment law, said that prior restraint of publication must be justified by a higher standard. In other words, the First Amendment must be interpreted broadly, in order to protect the public's right to know.

It was also the Pentagon Papers that led to Pres. Nixon's "dirty tricks" squad, leading eventually to the Watergate break-in and cover-up. It was Nixon and Kissinger's fear of the release of the papers that led them to circumvent the law, in trying to prevent leaks from the National Security Council and White House.

The film features interviews with Ellsberg, Randy Kehler, Anthony Russo (fellow Rand analyst who refused to testify against Ellsberg), the late Howard Zinn, New York Times editors, and others. Very well done - inspires me to refresh myself on this important slice of history.