Reviews

• Highly Engaging

  I remember all too well the events narrated in this book. (It chronicles the events that led to my leaving the US for good.) Ellsberg connects more of the dots between the Pentagon papers, the anti-war movement, his own actions and Nixon’s monarch-like rule over a supposed democracy. It makes clear the abrogation/dereliction of duty by both houses of Congress. Sadly, under Trump, the US has come dangerously close once more to an elected monarchy. A must read for all those who wish to avoid the end of democratic rule. Ellsberg, along with M.L. King, Jr, was one of the towering moral heroes of the late 20th century.

• Greek Tragedy, Roman Irony and Nixonian Farce

  This is a brilliant book. During the time Ellsberg relates, he was constantly called upon to write lengthy and detailed reports for officials already over burdened with endless reports they had to consume. He had to be clear, precise, cogent, and articulate. This highly developed skill is amply demonstrated in this book. Which reads more like a work of fiction than what it truly is: A personal account of what was going on INSIDE the government during the build up and eventual crisis of the Vietnam War. And in the fields and hamlets of Vietnam. Two quotes to frame the context: "A popular government, without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or, perhaps, both. knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives." James Madison. Quoted by Daniel Ellsberg (p431) "Once in 1967 after a somewhat pessimistic briefing by John Vann, Rostow, slightly shaken, said, "But you do admit that it'll all be over in six months." "Oh," said Vann somewhat airily, "I think we can hold out longer than that." - The Best And The Brightest p.637 David Halberstam. Ellsberg's memoir was published before the Snowdon revelations about the true breadth and depth of NSA foreign and domestic data mining. So there is that additional perspective to ponder. Ellsberg, one of Halberstam's Best and Brightest. A true cold warrior, third in line under McNamara. One of the very best and brightest, who came too late to question Vietnam Policy and ordered the compiling of the Pentagon Papers. The history of Presidential folly, self deception and fear of the primitives and isolationist anti communist("You Lost China") lobby. The Pentagon Papers that Ellsberg released to the press. So we have two profoundly important themes - the abuse of power and executive efforts to restrict access to any remotely pertinent information "top secret". And, in Ellsberg's memoir the circumstances and thinking that made him break with the establishment and publish that top secret information. "Plus ca change" as the French say. We seem condemned to deprecate the British Empire while seriously intensifying both that Empire's moral (self righteous) certitudes and its most egregious failings and obtuseness. The one thing that most impressed me about this book is what Elleberg did NOT say. Did not NEED to say, because he writes so clearly the picture is so clear, in all its awful complexity. To be sure he has his own moral point of view. And he lets this show from time to time. Only, I think, to underscore the fallibility of everyone and anyone involved with or observing the unfolding and unravelling of US Vietnam policy. But, for the most part he has chosen his examples and sequence of events and policy decisions to paint a complete portrait, showing far more than he tells. For me this is brilliant. Not a jeremiad. Just a cool and personal report for the ages. Which, judging by more recent military adventures, we are doomed to repeat and not learn from. There will always be honorable souls, like George Ball, Vann and several others Ellsberg quotes and acknowledges, who will see to the heart of the matter. And there will always be "primitives" (Roosevelt's term) who will scare enough people enough of the time for this tragedy to be repeated. If it isn't being so already.... Compelling reading.

• Real life spy thriller

  Like many 30-somethings, I was never taught the history of the Vietnam war in school. Plenty about the world wars and the contemporary conflicts, but for whatever reason, a massive gap in mid-century conflicts. There could really be no better time to read this book than today. The power of the executive branch has lost none of its potency and it is incredible to witness the lack of dignity given to congress let alone the voting public. Ellsberg is a passionate and driven writer. The book can feel a bit aimless and unbalanced from a plot point perspective but he has so many gems throughout the book and profound insights that you can see a true master of his craft. I'd rank this more of 4.5 / 5.0 but 4.0 / 5.0 is just cruel. The book is excellent, highly recommended.

• outstanding memoir

  This is really an outstanding personal memoir of the Cold War and essential reading. There's nothing more to say except to admire the relentless honesty of the enterprise.

• Honesty wins, for once!

  This is an examination of conscience. Of the terrible things done in the name of national security. Of petty, cruel people killing people just because they could, and just because getting out of Vietnam seemed a loss of face. It is the sad story of a long war started on a faulty premise and continued by President after President, despite the tremendous suffering it caused, and the loss of limbs, mind and life recorded in so many books and films, simply because they did not want to look weak. Many paid the price for this narcissism.

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