The function of the individual is one of the more dominant topics in modern philosophical and political debate, providing an abundance of opinions that are seemingly as workable and correct as the next. In a situation such as this, contrasting views and those harboring dissent should be sought out to gain the most thorough understanding of the events.

The documentary The People Speaks gives an alternate telling of history in America, shedding light on oft forgotten ills of the common citizen. This pursuit of truth and understanding has led to my research into the composition and actions of the State in its various forms and the validity of those actions in light of the misdeeds done in good intention.

The research material is an attempt at thorough representation of various methods of thought and social structure to provide the greatest amount of contrast to the argument at hand. If the risk presented by the formation of the State outweighs its benefits, can we ethically validate its existence?


Trotsky, Leon. The Revolution Betrayed. New York: Pathfinder Press, 1973. Print.

The writing of Leon Trotsky is a look inside the events leading up to and after the October Revolution of the Bolsheviks in Russia that lead to the creation of the Soviet Union. Trotsky provides commentary of the failings of the revolution after its rise to power as well as analysis of the short comings of Stalinism.

This work will be important to show the ideals of communism as understood by one of the founders of the communist movement. Trotsky was a prominent figure in the infancy of the Soviet Union and his thoughts and observations provide valuable insight into the operations of a large scale collective.


Rand, Ayn. Atlas Shrugged. New York: Signet Press, 1996. Print.

This work of Ayn Rand begins the foundation for the philosophical belief of Objectivism and illustrates many of the beliefs and implications of its use. Rand’s views are expressed thoroughly in the story of a revolt of the productive classes against an oppressive society.

Rand lays groundwork for individualist thought and morality with her views into the motivations of the singular person in society. The proper structure of a functioning group is explored in the fiction as well as the short comings of bureaucracy and distribution of resources. This opinion will lay the groundwork for the rugged individual in my writing.


Duncan, Craig. Libertarianism: For and Against. Lanham, Maryland: 2005. Print.

Craig Duncan provides commentary on the positive and negative aspects of libertarianism in modern America. The writing is a collection of essays on topics both for and against varying degrees of libertarianism and liberal thought.

The libertarian attempts to seek a supposed balance in government and individual liberty in a society. Best described as the stance ‘bridging the gap’ between bipartisan politics, the possibility of its use in representation will be considered.


Simon, Julian L. The Ultimate Resource 2. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1998. Print.

Julian Simon was a professor of business administration and wrote many articles and papers on economic subjects. The Ultimate Resource 2 summarizes the cornucopian worldview and stands in stark contrast to Malthusian theory and resource scarcity. The Simon-Ehrlich wager in the 1980’s was a functional test of Simon’s theories and cemented the validity of his predictions in the markets.

The use of resources by the people has been under debate since our first experiences with scarcity: should the community step in and provide rationing or are the people capable of regulating themselves? Simon posits that bureaucratic intervention only adds to the problem and that the people, free in commerce, will find viable alternatives by their own right.


Church Committee Reports. The Assassination Archives and Research Center. Founded 1984, operated by History Matters. http://www.aarclibrary.org/publib/contents/church/contents_church_reports.htm

The Church Committee was formed in response to the unsettling revelations of the Watergate scandal. As congress realized the shortcomings in oversight of the intelligence communities, an 11 person committee was formed to hold hearings on the actions of operatives and their legality.

These hearings show the steps that will be taken by an entity that identifies itself as Democratic and representative of its people.


“CIA report into shoring up Afghan war support in Western Europe.” Wikileaks release. Wikileaks.org, 26 Mar. 2010.

The usage of persuasion and propaganda in foreign policy is not a remnant from the past, rather an often utilized tool in the War on Terror and the shaping of support from allies.

The report shows the implementation of questionable acts even in the current political environment and supposedly watchful eye of government regulation.


Rudmin, Floyd W. Bordering on Aggression: Evidence of US Military Preparation. Nashville: Voyageur Publishing, 1993. Print.

Floyd Rudmin provides a glimpse into the strange contingency plans created by US foreign policy in attempts at protecting its interests. The plan for invading Canada as a preemptive strike against British aggression was named ‘War Plan Red’ and demonstrates the ability of the state to anticipate harsh actions.


Thompson, Nicholas. Inside the Apocalyptic Soviet Doomsday Machine. Wired Magazine, September, 2009.

Thompson’s investigation into the existence of the Soviet Doomsday device ‘Deadhand’ provides a startling look into the steps taken by a state entity to safe guard its existence. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union built a series of devices capable of delivering a retaliatory strike if it fell victim to a surprise attack, an attempt to deter such tactics by the West. The history of this system is outlined in the writing, highlighting the fact that its purpose as a deterrent would have been better served had its existence been revealed.

The development and existence of such measures illustrates the gross extremes that an entity will take to guarantee its survival in a competitive environment.