“In Humanscape 67: Ellsberg the Pentagon's Mockingbird, Casas casts Ellsberg in the role of a counter-culture Atticus Finch, a man who somehow finds the courage to do the right thing in difficult times. The screen shows a close-up of a mockingbird, a bird known for its ability to mimic the songs of other birds. Casas explains that as a bird, the mockingbird relates to ancient Christian art as a symbol of the ‘winged soul’ and that, as such, suggests the spiritual as opposed to the materialistic (personal communication, Mel Casas 2003). Beneath the mockingbird is a portrait of Ellsberg, head turned to the right and arms outstretched in the attitude of crucifixion; reflecting not only the Nixon administration's persecution/prosecution of him but also Ellsberg's own guilt as an agent of the Rand Corporation. As Ellsberg looks to his right, a trio of doves, symbolizing peace, purity and non-aggression, fly toward him, while to his left, a large white hawk, an aggressive predatory bird representing military power, swoops downward as though to destroy the doves. Directly in front of Ellsberg, a bald eagle spreads its wings, holding a red, white and blue banner across which is stenciled: ELLSBERG - THE PENTAGON'S - MOCKINGBIRD. Both the eagle and the banner colors symbolize the American government which created the situation. About the role of Ellsberg in Humanscape 67, Casas (personal communication 2003) says: Ellsberg comes across as a compulsive talker (Xerox copies), messianic crusader, and foreign-policy analyst. He is imbued with a martyr-complex, and a dramatic statement of conscience. His arms are outstretched in a crucified form. The man is Jewish with a Christian mission - a human mission. His is an approach of non-violent civil disobedience, colored by a compulsive desire to expiate his guilt. In his way, he tries to keep the ‘doves’ and the ‘hawk’ from each other. Casas' depiction of Ellsberg as anti-hero hero was most likely inspired by Todd Gitlin's assessment of Ellsberg's guilt as an accomplice not only to the Nixon administration but all of its predecessors who escalated or prolonged the war in Vietnam in the vain hopes of negotiating an outcome other than the one they knew to be inevitable…”
- Nancy Kelker, Mel Casas: Artist as Cultural Adjuster