What are The Pentagon Papers?

The Pentagon Papers are documents detailing America’s involvement with Vietnam, and demonstrate the complex reaction of the American public to whistleblowers and moral stand-takers. The Papers were published by Daniel Ellsberg, who was himself condemned as a traitor since the act had compromised American national security, and put the lives of countless Americans in jeopardy. The Papers demonstrate that Americans dislike sheep but also dislike troublemakers, and demonstrate that, while Americans strive to live up to ideals, they take situations on a case-by-case basis. Someone like Leyla Wydler is applauded while someone like Ellsberg is condemned.