Matt Taibbi

Rank 23 of 47

Score 18

@KristenKate14 By a Rand Corporation insider who’d seen the Vietnam War literally from the beginning (as in there for the first dispatches from the Gulf of Tonkin). Ellsberg by himself would have been an almost unimpeachable source but he brought documents at huge personal cost.

12/25/2025, 6:03:22 PM

In reply to:

Kristen Kate

@KristenKate14

@mtaibbi How do you think the info in the Pentagon papers was identified, obtained and put together Matt!

Matt Taibbi

@mtaibbi

The Pentagon Papers were evidence. If Daniel Ellsberg just said a bunch of shit on TV he wouldn’t be the patron saint of whistleblowers.

Ivan Ellul

@ivan_ellul

@mtaibbi “They implicate the organization… still defaming the organization.”

By that logic, the Pentagon Papers were defamatory.
By that logic, the Church Committee defamed the CIA, FBI, and NSA.

History calls that accountability.
You’re calling it defamation.

The statement is part of a broader discussion on the credibility and impact of whistleblowers, specifically referencing Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers. It engages with public discourse by addressing issues of evidence, accountability, and the role of whistleblowers in society.

Principle 1:
I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
The statement does not cause harm and acknowledges the personal cost of whistleblowing, aligning with the principle of doing no harm. [+1]
Principle 3:
I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
The statement promotes understanding of the importance of evidence and the role of whistleblowers, aligning with the principle of promoting understanding and empathy. [+1]
Principle 4:
I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
The statement engages in constructive dialogue by providing historical context and evidence, rather than personal attacks, aligning with the principle of constructive criticism. [+1]
Principle 7:
I will uphold the principles of free speech and use my platform responsibly and with integrity.
The statement upholds free speech by responsibly discussing the importance of evidence and whistleblowing, aligning with the principle of using one's platform responsibly. [+1]