Daniel Ellsberg Interviews

This is a great story that i think the public must hear. A definite GL
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Check out my work sometime, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks link

God I miss this piece. I wish it were on air. How perfect would this have been to play before the scene of these violations in action from the actual waterboarding POD.

Sometime in the next several months an announcer will interrupt regularly scheduled programming to introduce the President who, blinking rapidly, will announce a series of air strikes against Iran. That announcement will probably use religious rhetoric that makes a tragic situation even worse.

Iran, Iraq, a wreck. That's how you conjugate war in the Middle East, and Iran is the future tense.

What's worse, the government continues to employ heated theological language that plays well to its base but hurts our efforts to reduce terrorism.

There will be little or no loss of American life as a result of airstrikes against Iran ... right away. That will happen further down the road, when generations of Muslims that might have been our allies turn against us. (Remember: Hundreds of thousands of Iranians gathered in the streets of Teheran in solidarity with Americans after 9/11.)

As the Administration continues to escalate militarily the danger increases. The Pale Horse and its rider draw closer to Iran - and to us. And the continued use of inflammatory religious rhetoric only compounds the problem.

Take "Islamofascism." Fascism is a government function, and there is no evidence that any state participated in 9/11. In fact, the only Islamic government known to have sponsored terror attacks against Americans is Libya, yet the U.S. and Britain chose negotiation there. (Britain accepted a longstanding offer from Qadafi after the invasion of Iraq, so they could claim their war brought him to the bargaining table.)

Why does Bush celebrate diplomacy with Qadafi - the architect of Flight 700's tragedy - while refusing to speak with Iran or Syria as the Iraq Study Group recommended? Iran is ten years away from being a nuclear danger, and has signaled its interest in negotiation since at least 2003.

Why would we be afraid to talk now, especially when Iran can be helpful in resolving the catastrophe in Iraq? (And the fact is we've brought a pro-Iranian government into power there.) Instead, we're slamming the door on urgently-needed discussions by labeling our adversaries in theological terms.

What other countries might be described as "Islamofascist," besides Libya, Syria, and Iran? Only nations that are currently allies, nations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Pakistan. Leaders like Musharraf in Pakistan are endangered and given less latitude to support our anti-terrorism efforts when we inflame their countrymen with religionist rhetoric.

And if we are to encourage democratic reform in the Arab world, we can't do it by using terms that imply we believe all Muslim nations are inherently fascist or evil.

Then there's "Divine Strake." Tests of this massive "bunker-busting" bomb remain on schedule in Nevada, despite protests from local residents.

Why is it called Divine Strake? A "strake" is a tool used to level sand. A reasonable interpretation of this name in the Islamic world would therefore be "a tool for flattening you into the sand ... in God's name." That will play like a declaration of holy war in the Islamic world.

The U.S. fundamentalist/conservative coalition benefits politically from framing the anti-terror effort as a battle against "Islamofascism." It allows them to claim we're in a new Cold War, with all the political opportunities that creates.

Maybe that's why Christian conservative Gary Bauer, in my debate with him on Sean Hannity's show, said that "The struggle against Islamofascism is the defining issue of our time."

Really? Other issues pale in importance? Ten times as many Americans have died from lack of health insurance as from terrorism in the 21st Century. Six times as many Americans have died from improperly tested pharmaceuticals.

Yes, fighting terrorism is vitally important - but it's not a fight against "Islamofascism." It's a fight against stateless criminals, and a fight to prevent them from taking over countries like Pakistan. So why do we conduct unnecessary

If anyone doubts the veracity of Daniel's predictions back in May, watch Seymour Hersch on Wolf Blitzer of CNN today, August 13, about Bush's designs on Iran. Hersch is the highly respected journalist for The New Yorker who broke the Abugreb scandal.

It's one thing to see a compelling opinion on a controversial subject, and it's another thing to pepper it with provocative photos (the one of bush flipping the camera off, etc.) and present information without context. As the creator of the film, it's your responsibility to provide enough context to complete the thought - catch the viewers up, give the backstory. It's my opinion that the most affecting argument (and this IS an argument) is one that is unequivocally supported by fact - and this piece might have been able to do it, had it not been trying to be an 'anger' piece. Ignore it if you like, just one fella's opinion.

"I'm not a big fan of Bush... but I'm not a big fan of lies either... from both sides.
-Nate"

i'm not trying to be dense or instigate anything but just wondering what u r implying.
u think ellsberg is lying?

and to the current staff: come on guys this thing has been here since may and had over 13thousand views. i pay attention to your staff picks and think this might be better for the network than some of the others. just my opinion but felt it had to be said cause a lot of people here support this pod

Great video. This type of content needs to be heard by others. Keep it up! GL

If half the content were true...

The Declaration of Independence states that if the government becomes corupt that the people have the right to abolish it... I supose you could try.

I'm not a big fan of Bush... but I'm not a big fan of lies either... from both sides.

-Nate

I thought I had greenlit this weeks ago..but apparently not. Just wanted to let you know that I think the letterbox does help and also really like the new cutaways that you have put in in the new version. I agree with you also on the point that sometimes the content has to trumph production values. If you can capture something as powerful as this, but don't have the time, resources or whatever to set up lights tripod, etc, then just shoot it! Ellsberg is on my hero list now with people like Gore, and Michael Franti who have a really important message that needs to be heard. Thanks for bringing this too us and I hope it makes air!

I agree, it helps stabilize the sense of "floating" a little. Its a great piece either way, I'd grenlight it again if I could.

thanks jscott, I just put a letterbox on it, helps about 1%, I AM enjoying the lively debate of tripod vs content. Fascinating. Thanks to all. Sandi

A suggestion regarding the camera movement in this pod, it might (might) make it easier on the eyes to reduce the size of the image 10%. Of course it doesnt change the footage but sometimes having a consistant "border" helps to reduce the sense of "floating" or "dizziness" in the video.
Either way Ellsberg's words should really be heard as widely as possible.

"protecting our constitution and our freedoms are important... but too bad you didn't use a tripod" (paraphrased off course) wtf? just put this on air. content is king, and i've seen s**t on current waaaaay worse looking than this and completely trite. her exposure was good, the audio was absolutely understandable and hand held stuff is awesome. if you want tripod shots watch FOX news. they should change the name from “viewer created” to “film school flunkie critiqued”

Sorry guys, should have put this up in the Raw Intel pod. It was one take, no lights, no mic, essentially raw footage. I felt what Dan was saying was so important and timely, have you turned on the news lately?
Thanks for all your comments. getreel

Truly great interview. scary
GL

Use a tripod. At least a mono-pod.
Dont loose cam's focus :) Use more light - it may help next time.

Keep shooting.

Thank you, Daniel Ellsberg! Bush has signed more signing statements to thumb his nose up at the American people and our Constitution than any other (appointed) President in this nation's history, and he isn't even desserving of having that title! He and his entire cabal deserve to be impeached and put on trial. GREENLIGHT.

daniel has hit the nail on the head this pod should not only be on current but i think every channel in america

I think that you get some fantastic interviews that are very important and interesting. I think that your work shows great promise and your choice of subjects are excellent. The only problem is that the production quality is lacking a bit.

It is critical that you simply use a tripod. I know this is a pain sometimes to carry and setup, but it would make a world of difference for you pods. It also seems that your camera is always searching and focusing in the middle of the interview, which can be very distracting. Especially if you are in the middle of an emotional and/or important topic, it really takes you out of the experience if the camera suddenly starts to move again. I also think you could use a better microphone... something that is more directional. If you are using the camera mic, perhaps you should get a shotgun instead. And if you don't have a tripod, you can get a really cheap one for around $15.

I certainly believe that this pod in particular would have been on TV long ago if the production quality was a bit better. I think many people here on Current, myself included, feel that subject matter is most important, but we also need to maintain a certain level of production quality for anything that goes on TV. I think this is the reason that now you are not getting enough votes to push you over the #1 edge.

I really appreciate the simplicity of your pods.... straight interviews can be very compelling. I just think that you could use a few simple cutaways as well. Perhaps something from the environment.... the Auschwitz Guys' photos, etc..... just something that you can use to cover your cuts as well as giving us something else to look at.

I look forward to seeing more pods in the future! All the best!

Hi guys -- you can read how the video score is calculated here. Basically, the more time you spend in the community watching, greenlighting and commenting, the more your greenlight weighs.

Wow how does one get a video on TV if this many views and votes scream PUT ME ON. Put the whole series on. Otherwise, what is the point of indy style TV. Lets go back to the days of 3 channel TV run by a few elitists that don't want you to know about this stuff.

Ellsberg is correct, and we need to greenlight this pod. Getting this discussion aired is the only way to begin informing the public of what is being done (often illegally) in our name. it takes the people's desire to get the politicians to act. lets keep it going.

almost there... Another couple votes and you're #1

Don't I know it BS! I'm a producer by trade and know what it "should" look like, but I felt the historic 'record' would override the personal embarrassment of our CTV community critiques. This guy is really something, who of us would be willing to go to jail for our principles? Sandi

Compelling subject and a historical giant - but not the greatest video techniques employed in telling the story.

BS

It's important to get ideas out there. As always, actions speak louder than words and Ellsberg knows how to cut through much of the political jargon. GL

Check out the actions of two men in our piece:
"Stop and Think":
link

OK people - again I say - support this piece! Get it some more
greenlights so it can be broadcast. It's been hovering around 4th spot for a few weeks now. I think with just a little effort it can get over the hump and onto the current TV schedule.

Even though some of the events Ellsberg talks about happened 35 years ago, they've never been more relevant or 'on point' than for today's world.

It needs to be seen by a wider audience.

PHubb

Sorry, this was my very first pod and you are all right, if it wasn't so late in the game, I'd do B roll of the Watergate breakin and Dan's book. It was my first CTV effort. Thanks
Sandi

Still debating some of my thoughts on this one. On the one hand, I like how you stick to a nitty gritty straight interview on this without all of the 'bells and whistles' that are too often used and typically distract from the message or point of the piece. However, I still feel like there should be some amount of b-roll overlay to some of the things he says (i.e. say 'dog', see 'dog')... I think that some level of footage interlaced with the current piece would actually help reinforce the ideas more with the viewer. Regardless, subject matter alone gets the greenlight from me on this one.

Thanks Dean you're so right. This was my first pod and it was really raw footage, one take, shaky camera and all. I wonder if they'll let me do it legit if it goes to air. To you point there was a wonderful thing on Watergate and the break in of Ellsberg's psychiatrists office, last week, there's lots i could do, let's see what happens, we're shocked it's gotten as far as it has. Sandi

Daniel Ellsberg has always been one of my heros, and I couldn't agree more with his analysis. So I'm really happy you put this on the web. BUT... if you really want people to watch this, it would help to make it into more of a real video pod rather than just a talking head shot with a somewhat shaky camera. Give the viewer something to look at: some news clips, or headlines, or at least a cutaway to his hands or face. I think it's easier to inform people if you can entertain them at the same time. Keep up the important work.

This is a good warmup for the North American Union which is running full steam ahead at this time - Canada, Mexico, and U.S. all merged into a trilateral North American Union with the "Amero" as our currency and a Super Highway from Laredo to Canada along I-35 that is four football fields wide with speed passes at the "toll both" style "borders" where biometric ID cards will allow vehicles through in 10 seconds; to check it out go to www.spp.gov and see how Bush has the entire infrastructure in place, working committees going at it, to drop the borders completely by 2012. Many big corporations are cooperating: Ford, Exxon, Amgen, EDS, General Electric, to name a few.

OH! MY GOD! I have been telling everyone this for the last five years! Great Clip! Keep them coming! Thank you!

"The day after the next 9/11 our freedoms are gone"

If you're not aware of the mountain of evidence pointing to US govt/private sector involvement, and the 9/11 Commission's coverup, start here:
link

Great content, I like Jeff B's constructive criticisms - he's right on the money.

We are big getreel fans here at GO Pictures. Check out our latest, "Flying Baby."

SL, GO Pictures

Hi, thank you so much for your comments, Carl and I are both a bit "embarrassed" by the look of the footage, we are both professionals in the film business, I a producer and he a DP and know better, But I risked such friendly and constructive critique (and that is the spirit in which it is taken, believe me), it was far more important to get this great man's timely message out there. he is urging those who know to do what he did 35 years ago when he hand Xeroxed 7,000 pages and leaked them to the New York Times, talk about heroism! Current is Viral Democracy!

First, I'm glad to see an authoritative source speaking plainly about our "constitutional crisis." I couldn't agree with him more, especially about the "second 911" signaling the end of our constitutional freedoms. Any other criticisms I have pale in comparison to the content of the piece.

But second, running raw footage, edited only for concision, falls short in setting up the context of what he's saying. The film itself needs to establish, however quickly, who this brilliant man is and the context of what he's talking about. You can't assume your audience will catch on. If you do, you vastly limit your audience. And, frankly, the hand-held, in-and-out-of-focus camera-work is needlessly distracting. If you want the shot to look good, light it better, but let the camera be invisible.

Again, thank-you for bringing such important words to Current TV's viewers.

I've read the Pentagon Papers and it was fascinating to see the man behind the action. The hand held work is engaging and the work is definitely news-worthy. Great work. I hope your parents are proud of you cause I am. You get the big GL.

what you don't understand is it might allready be too late .the american people are but a very small obstacle in the grand design that is unfolding right before our eyes . a super state comprised of mexico,united states,and canada. the commitee on foriegn relations allready has the paper work drawn up . scheduled to happen in 2010. the invisible hand that is guiding these changes is in full swing , you will now start to see things progress at a much faster pace than in previous decades.all the presidential orders are in place all we need is one more big diversionary attack to allow the real attack to take place. do the research ,start asking questions we are definetely not in kansas any more.......

Article 1 35th Anniversary of the Pentagon Papers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thirty-five years ago today, on June 13th, 1971, the New York Times began printing portions of a 7,000-page top-secret document which came to be known as the Pentagon Papers. In this article, Daniel Ellsberg, the source of the Papers to the Times, talks about the continuing relevance of the Papers today as our leaders wage war in Iraq and make plans for war in Iran.
IRAQ'S PENTAGON PAPERS
This unjustified war is waiting for its whistle-blower, says the leaker of Vietnam's secret history.
by Daniel Ellsberg
Los Angeles Times
June 11, 2006

A JOINT resolution referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) calls for the withdrawal of all American military forces from Iraq by Dec. 31. Boxer's "redeployment" bill cites in its preamble a January poll finding that 64% of Iraqis believe that crime and violent attacks will decrease if the U.S. leaves Iraq within six months, 67% believe that their day-to-day security will increase if the U.S. withdraws and 73% believe that factions in parliament will cooperate more if the U.S. withdraws.

(entire article June 11, Los Angeles Times)

If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this newsletter, please forward this to them. list@ellsberg.net
Thank you!
--Michael Ellsberg

Come on people, let's get some more support for this piece and get it broadcast.

Ellsberg is speaking important truths.

Please take note of his mention of the next "9/11" event and he's right! What you're seeing today is the establishment of 'precedent' Georgie boy maybe a complete DICK but he isn't the nemesis of democracy he's just the warm up act. Enjoy your freedoms while they last, our children will certainly never know them!

How can you not understand this guy. It does not take a brain surgeon to understand what is happening to America with the current administrations' law beaking.
Wake up and smell the Rotton Baronic betrayal. Read everything and PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION.
Those same lying coniving thieving corrupt indiduals who are literally shitting all over the "living document, the "CONSTITUTION" are ruing this country for the sake of profit. The one and only thing I do not understand is that you cant take it with you so why bother setting up a system that will outdate you ?

Prescient commentary, play it and play it and play it!!!!!

Could be mixed with the other pod, at the public rally.

I don't know if I fully understand this guy, but I enjoyed watching it, and now I know who he is! The light is green!

Thanks Dan, how's this I fixed it, see above.  
 
Dan and Carl and I are absolutely amazed by the comments and thank you all, It is an honor to facilitate Dan getting this message out through the Viral Democracy of Current TV.

By coincidence, I finished reading Dr. Ellsberg's "Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers" for the third time just last night, before being made aware of this video's existence just this evening. I cannot recommend that book highly enough, not only for those who still do not know what Vietnam was all about, but also for those, young and old alike, who do not know what Iraq has been all about, dating back to President Bush the Elder and the Persian Gulf War. Happy belated 75th birthday, Dr. Ellsberg!

...

Dan Hand

NYC, NY, USA

P.S. For getreel's edification, the Pentago Papers were not "Nixon's secret war plans," but rather a secret history compiled at the instance of Secretary of Defense McNamara, before he was shunted off to the World Bank by President Johnson, and covering American foreign policy on Vietnam from President Truman through President Johnson's decision to initiate the Paris Peace Talks process. F.Y.I.

Ellsberg tells it like it is . . and he's been doing this for years.

The Ellsberg segment is the most vital and needs a wide viewership. Please make it a priority. Ellsberg risked life in prison to save our nation once and he is still trying to save us from ourselves!

This video needs to be seen by everyone in the US. We are in a constitutional crisis and the people need to understand that if they don't act, our democracy will be completely lost to fascism.

Current TV,

I DO watch your programming but on a 'surfers' schedule. I have seen Ellsberg's piece and think it should be played and played often. Daniel is a courageous voice that now, more than ever, needs be heard. This clip is of great importance to our populace and Daniel's warnings should be heeded.
Thank You,

Sincerely,
Billy Kelly
"A Veteran of America's War in Viet Nam"

Great thoughts and words from a courageous man; not sure about the hand-held camera, but certainly worth getting this out on the airwaves, etc. Greenlight it to the world!

Loved this piece. Ellsberg goes way back with me. When he released the Pentagon Papers it was a tipping point and huge boost to the anti Vietnam war movement. One of my all time heros - where are today's Ellsbergs?

Some small technical notes:Turn off the auto focus - focus manually if possible.
When shooting an interview like this, you might want to consider using a tripod.
Framing was very good (close up) for a piece like this.

greenlight .

Interesting.

It is not often that a man from the pages of a history book appears here. We need to see this as a great oportunity. This man helped stop the gears of an awfull war with little more than the power of free speech. Celebrate that! This man is a perfect man to put on Currunt.

Reichstag..... hmmm.....An apt parallel....
A media event wholly staged by the Nazis to escalate their dibs on country and world domination.
As George Santayana said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Due to our vaunted short memory and attention spans, G.W.Bush and Co. are doing all they can to move on to the next aggressive media event. They continually remind us to be afraid.
We owe Daniel Ellsberg much for his efforts to remove the Nixonian yoke, and his continued vigilance against this current tyrant.
I for one am glad that he is still out there.
Thank you Sandy and Carl for your efforts in presenting this great patriot who reminds us that Thomas Jefferson said:
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."

We need more avenues to air varying points of views of reality.... this clip helps!

The key word here is INACTION. Most people dont care because they are too busy consuming at Wal mart and stuffing themselves. It is a sad time for America and its environs. More of this stuff should be out there. More constitution education is also needed. GL
Interesting!

Hi Pod People, thanks for Greenlights and comments. No network will air Daniell Ellsberg's Interviews, so kudos to CTV, the only truly democratic media...of the people, by the people and for the people! PODS ROCK!

This is an awesome flcik about a person in regards to the Vietnam war. The thing is not many young people like myself are vey educated on this subject for whatever reason. I think that this flick going on air through Current TV will catch the eye of many youth, and perhaps shed some new light on the subject.

Hey every you must see this POD!

V/R MudDuck

P.S. Thank you for looking at my VCAM and leaving that outstanding Comment. I am actually trying for a degree in Film Production and Broad Cast TV.

The Audacity of Bush's policies! The last presidnet was impeached and he pretends his position entitles him to free reign to do whatever he wishes. Of course there should be more debate it's an outrage! FISA is not as outdated as Gonzales and the administration is trying to point it out as being. In a recent article ion newsweek I think it was they spoke about one of the points in Aberto gonzales memo's being that the president also had the right to perform unwaranted ohysical searches and seizures! excuse me? When does executive powere rise above the ladder of law? The answer is never and it has to be stopped! Greenlight!

We need more voices like Ellsberg as a counterbalance to the administration - military background, older, white - to get out there...It was a huge thing when Congressman John P. Murtha came out against the War/Administration for those same reasons, I think. Like Ellsberg said...these politicians are caught between pursuing their personal political agendas, and that of their constituents. And Ellsberg's point, that people can't care if they don't know is so right! Perhaps people should take initiative themselves, because if this is the case, politicians will never speak up.

I agree with comments on setting Ellsberg up better on video, as far as who he is, and why he should be heard...what about a foreward? That is something that can be done without re-editing your entire piece.

Liked the shooting. Unconventional, but worked to draw my attention to what he was saying.

Good piece.
On the hard side but, very eye opening and I guess it takes the hard look to open eyes. This kind of interview takes “The good old boy network” out of the closet and puts it in the faces of those who don’t look at the whole picture. However this is an extreme view. I will admit.

Thanks for the encouraging comments. I like the "Raw" of this, but watching alone begs me to ask who is this guy and why does his commentary matter? Is he credible? I think I could give it a "Green" if it had more explination. I just feel in the dark...I think content is good, but context is missing....

We want to hear from more people like this gentleman. My only concern is that for an audience hungry for evidence to hang Bush, questions may arise regarding the credibility and accuracy of his statements. Can we get this guy on the national news?

important! nice fresh camera work and proper editing! Get this out there C TV!

This is so important. Everyone needs to see this. I agree with idiotwork, I dig the camera shake, but if the gets aired (which I hope it does) the host can set him up, who he is what he's done ect. They could just read what you've already typed up. Don't change it. Hey check out my pod Palace at 4am. It also needs some support. Let me know what you think.

Wonderful stuff! Thanks! It's deja vu all over again, isn''t it?

Ellsberg's comment on the Reichstag fire is chilling and should be heard.

Why dont we have more men like him in government. A true patriot