A Government Of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State

by John W. Whitehead, Nat Hentoff (Introduction)

In A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State, John W. Whitehead charts America's transition from a society governed by "we the people" to a police state governed by the strong arm of the law. In such an environment, the law becomes yet another tool to oppress the people. As a constitutional attorney of national prominence, and as president of The Rutherford Institute, an international civil liberties organization, Whitehead has been at the forefront of the fight for civil liberties in this country.

The recurring theme at the heart of A Government of Wolves is that the American people are in grave danger of losing their basic freedoms. The simple fact is that the Constitution - and in particular the Bill of Rights - is being undermined on virtually every front. Indeed, everything America was founded upon is in some way being challenged. The openness and freedom that were once the hallmarks of our society are now in peril.

We were once a society that valued individual liberty and privacy. But in recent years we have turned into a culture that has quietly accepted surveillance cameras, police and drug-sniffing dogs in our children's schools, national databases that track our finances and activities, sneak-and-peek searches of our homes without our knowledge or consent, and anti-terrorism laws that turn average Americans into suspects. In short, America has become a lockdown nation, and we are all in danger.

A Government of Wolves not only explains these acute problems but is a call to action offering timely and practical initiatives for Americans to take charge of present course of history and stop the growing police state. But time is running out. We are at critical juncture and every citizen who values his or her personal freedom needs to pay close attention to the message in this book!

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Law, American, Government, The United States Of America

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Phil Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alarming, fear-mongering and unfortunately true. This book describes the continual erosion of our Constitutionally granted freedoms. As if the NSA illegally monitoring your communications and constant video surveillance weren't enough, Whitehead details the Public/Private Prison Industry. He clearly documents the incentive for government and corporations to catalog and confine you. This book is depressing, but sadly representative of the world in which we currently live. I wonder what government list I'm on now that I've read this book?

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

August 16, 2013

A review by Anthony T. Riggio of John W. Whitehead’s “A Government of Wolves” (The Emerging American Police State)

This book was loaned to me by a friend who asked me to give him my thoughts on this book. I believe he asked me for my impression based on two thoughts: I am an Attorney and a retired FBI Agent. He did not mention this when he gave it to me and this conclusion is pure conjecture on my part.

Mr. Whitehead begins each chapter with superb quotations from many famous people. His opening of the book quotes, a journalist who I have always admired and believe was an “honest” journalist. The journalist, Edward R. Murrow, says: “A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves”. I am not exactly sure where and when Murrow said this but I believe it probably came from his experiences as a war correspondent during World War II. He saw the horrors of Fascism and how the people of those affected countries just went along with all the horrific events that naturally result from too strong a government.

Mr. Whitehead makes compelling arguments of how and why Americans have allowed their government and all its agencies to slowly erode away the rights that heretofore have made us very blessed and special compared to the rest of the world. He points out that we do it with our eyes wide open and the government using the rationale of security as the leverage. We have allowed agencies like the TSA and local Police departments to become militaristic in their carrying out their duties and subject us to ever increasing invasions of our privacy.

The book is a wake-up call for all Americans but I can guarantee you that the low information voters will never read it and will by consequence facilitate this steady decline and we will all suffer as the lowest common denominators who are easily led, take over control from us without us even realizing it has happened.

I would recommend that every civics and government class be required to read this book but with the temperament displayed by our academics, this will never happen. But, if they ever have to do a post mortem of our society, this book will be heralded as prophetic.

As a retired FBI Agent, I have to disagree some of the conclusions or rather suggestions of the FBI’s role in the decline of this country or the militarization of our law enforcement. I also have to disagree with Whitehead’s portrayal of the FBI regarding Martin Luther King. I believe that the FBI had reasons to worry about some of the forces behind King’s strategies’ and the people he leaned on for support.

What most writers fail to point out is that Bobby Kennedy had his thumb on the FBI because of his distrust and personal dislike of Hoover and that any wire taps of King had to be approved by the then Attorney General, namely Bobby. Additionally, Bobby Kennedy was the genesis for the initiation of many aspects of the King investigations. Also, the release of the totality of the King files was not the doing of the FBI but of Kings family and other ardent supporters. Having worked for the FBI, I totally disagree that they are part of the Federal “Gestapo”. If any agency fights hard to insure compliance with the constitution and the rights of citizens it is the FBI. I know, I am partial but I just had to point this out as I was there as both an Agent and as an Attorney.

I gave “A Government of Wolves” five stars and have ordered my own copy for future reference. I hope and strongly recommend that every literate and freedom loving American reads this book, as it has a lot of good stuff to think about, though I contend that the as a nation we are already on the slippery slope to increasing government control of our lives.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out very promising, with stats and stories about the intrusions the American government is making into the lives of its citizens, a violation of civil rights, privacy, and a host of other illegal doings.
Starting in about chapter 6, however, the author started comparing the current surveillance state with various movies and books, including Minority Report, 1984, and The Matrix. While some comparison is useful, page after page is not, and the book turned into a look-out-we're-getting-precogs-and-Big-Brother-watching-everything-we-do.
That being said, I still recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in our Constitution and the need to preserve and enforce it.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

FEAR AND LOATHING IN AMERICA.

"...SWAT teams battering down doors without search warrants and FBI agents acting as a secret police that investigate and 'detain' dissenting citizens have become all-too-common occurrences in contemporary America."—page 63/305

Sweet, police-state, paranoia. Ya gotta love it. And I do. I remember well what a good friend once told me, "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean that everyone isn't out to get ya."

A GOVERNMENT OF WOLVES: The emerging American Police State, by John Whitehead and Nat Hentoff is a good old-fashioned, sky-is-falling, diatribe of the type that used to get my hackles up—way up. It still does, but now the fury is sprinkled through with a touch of sadness that my generation should be leaving our children and grandchildren in much worst shape than we were ever in.

We were the beneficiaries of the 'Greatest Generation.' We got to enjoy all the cool innovations—suburbia, shopping malls, fast-food drive-thrus, and Rock 'n Roll... We had it all. But, for our legacy, we're leaving drive-by surveillance; warrantless, no-knock, SWAT team raids; eye-in-the-sky spy drones, and all those glorious, allegedly non-fatal, 'compliance' weapons.

Which brings me back to having my hackles raised. I was furious when I read just how decimated our Fourth Amendment rights have become, and upset and frightened to learn how extensively militarized 'local' police agencies are now—but I didn't go ballistic, with fear and loathing, until I read: "In August 2012 the Social Security Administration (SSA) placed an order for 174,000 rounds of hollow point ammunition."—page 75

Hollow point ammunition is, oh, so deadly. Is the SSA planning to need to use deadly force against some of its more rebellious octogenarian beneficiaries, someday? Be forewarned, old folks. When you come, come heavily armed. Your opposition already is.

Recommendation: You don't have to be paranoid to read this stuff... But it helps. And it helps to be reminded of the need for vigilance. Especially nice, too, to read a refresher summary (first time introduction, for some, no doubt) of the Bill of Rights.

"...at one time, the idea of a total surveillance state tracking one's every move would have been abhorrent to most Americans"—page 123

NOOKbook edition, 305 pages

[Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really hope this book gains a large audience. It covers issues that all Americans should be aware of, from the loss of individual rights, to the militarization of the police departments, and the rising surveillance society. Our founding fathers would weep bitterly if they saw what the country they had fought and died for has turned into.

My only criticisms of this book would be that it is a bit repetitive, and the author's liberal bias shows from time to time [not at all over the top]. Though, he doesn't hold back at all when talking about abuses by both sides of the political spectrum. Neither of these criticisms were enough for me to even dock it a star.

All in all, I would definitely recommend reading this book. It is very disturbing, but 'We the people' need to wake up and protect our rights and freedoms before it is too late.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important warning about where America appears headed and whay that could mean for our freedoms. At times sloppy, and often felt exaggerated and hysterical. I would have preferred a tighter, more concise argument.

[Rinstinkt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small pieces of facts you listen, read and watch happening everyday, all put together. Nothing new.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an introduction to the police state I'd say this book serves its purpose. As an introduction to Constitutional rights I'd say this book serves that purpose as well. As an overview of the technologies and legal tactics uses by the government and corporations I'd say this book serves its purpose. It didn't offer much in the way of prescription. The final few chapters, very short, suggested knowing your rights, as The Clash said back in the early 80s, but I think there should have been more prescription. What do we do with this information? I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to read Mr. Whitehead's book, and I'd like to read more. Christopher Combs' illustrations were excellent. Reading it was inspirational for me, but for many it will be overwhelming. I recommend you read the Bill of Rights and thoroughly understand them. Then, read this book!

[E A B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karma is a bitch

A lot of people in this country will know what it is to be Black in America the hard way.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Government of Wolves is a book that is a wake-up call to America. It enlightens its’ readers that the founding principles (equality, freedom, promoting/sustaining the common welfare) of our country are disappearing before our eyes with our own complicit permission. The main premise of the book is that, We the American People have allowed OUR government to intimidate us, loot our treasure, and oppress us.

The book begins with the tone that the end of the world is here! The reader may initially find the book repetitive at times and slightly dogmatic. However, the author does begin to substantiate his perspectives via the plethora of semi-recent and historical examples included within the text. Thus, if the reader can begin to focus on the evidence that the author presents and the inductive reasoning of such data, one can start to appreciate the urgent fervor of this national crisis that is heralded throughout the book.

The biggest causal factor that the text identifies as the reason for this societal demise is the Fear Propaganda. The author states that Fear is heavily marketed to us under the guise of increased Security and Safety. I completely agree with this observation. The book details how the war on Terrorism enabled our government to SELL US the notion that novel technologies, enhanced surveillance, and effortless convenience would allow us to gain more freedom. However, the fear bait has actually ensnared us into purchasing and complying with a small and elite group of people. These actors who dominate our government behind the scenes and whose sole desire is the never-ending utilization of our submission. The book only briefly mentions these HIDDEN players in very abstract terms. I wish that the author would have provided further insight on these people who influence our legislatures, and whose agendas permeate executive agencies independent of associated legislation/regulation at times. However, I do think there are both positives and negatives regarding the socioeconomic status and general demographic composition of our PUBLIC government officials.

The second causal factor this text highlights is the massive computerization and monitoring of our lives. The laws and policies that have seemingly allowed almost limitless access to our personal data by law enforcement and executive governmental entities, is correlated to our government’s plan to constrain the population. Furthermore, we now possess law enforcement organizations that frequently use combat style tactics, increasing levels of war zone technology, and excessive force, for ordinary civilian interactions, non-violent civilian violations, and defiant behavior.

Thus, the book concludes that our government, which is supposed to represent us, has abused our innate desire to conform and indoctrinated us with the notion that the current status quo – Compliance/Acceptance – is the norm and is actually for our benefit.

Nevertheless, the book does a very good job of outlining a remedy for this catastrophe! The author states the American people must become educated about their rights. This is very true. Furthermore, the author then advocates that we begin to reuse the constitutionally based measures for seeking change and redressing grievances. These measures consist predominantly of Protest, (Demanding Change) Resistance, and Civil Disobedience. The book provides past American and Global references when such methods were successfully employed. He also offers a number of suggestions that the average citizen can use today. Finally, the author reminds us that Freedom is Never Free and that sacrifices must occur. This point I feel is essential.

Therefore, I would strongly recommend this book to others. My only significant detractor is the sparse details of the domineering players and being prepared for the necessary but repetitious admonishments throughout the book. I really, really, wish that I would have read this book earlier in my life.

[Philemon - · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in 2015, this book is probably a bit dated. It makes two basic points: surveillance has become ubiquitous and police are becoming more like the army.

The surveillance piece repeatedly urges the reader not to underestimate the breadth and depth of surveillance. This is almost certainly true. Nearly all 19 agencies in the U.S. intelligence community, including the CIA and NSA, share common, easily expandable cloud data contracted to Amazon. AI systems are coming on-line to facilitate and partially automate identification / evaluation of national threats. The eventual upside of these systems is probably inestimable. Given how strong they already must be, one wonders why the January 6 insurrection wasn't better anticipated and dealt with.

Local police forces are becoming more heavily armed. Whitehead reports small cities and towns where murders are rare or nonexistent nevertheless establishing extravagantly outfitted SWAT teams. The author amplifies this point by citing many more stories of police abuses and overreactions than he needs. Evidently he feels overkill is called for, fearing that we're entering very oppressive times in which overly zealous police will effectively strip citizens of rights. On the other hand, he grants that an alert citizenry can work as an effective counter-force to police excesses. Indeed, more recently we've seen bystanders filming bad police behavior, as well as the 2020 George Floyd demonstrations that in many communities spurred reforms. So perhaps there's room to hope we can avoid becoming East Germany in the 1980's. We'll see.

[Scott Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Culture for Enduring Results

Whitehead provides a roadmap to engage our culture with enduring results. He identifies those threats we face from a bureaucracy intent on suppressing our freedoms of thought, speech and association.

We face a tyranny unlike any other from any other time in our history. We cannot be complacent or we will drift further into the abyss of authoritarianism that has sucked our nation into an irrational void of despotism.

Freedom requires boldness and courage. We must have the willingness to stand for our freedoms or we will fall into the abyss and void. That is not meant to be our lot in life. We have the fortitude to choose a higher better way.

Whitehead pulls us from our own complacency into freedom’s battle armed and equipped with passion, knowledge and dedication to a vision for freedom birthed by America’s founding fathers that’s embedded within the Constitution.

We must heed their solemn call to adhere to the heritage of freedom they left us. And we must remove the iron fisted grip of out of control authoritarians. We must stand up, speak up and overcome the threats posed by men and women seeking to move us from freedom to tyranny.

[Taran Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book for what it had to say, but I cannot say that it was an enjoyable read. Mr Whitehead paints a very bleak picture of the American State of today and sadly I believe it to be true. The facts and figures that the author has enlisted to make his point are oftentimes quite horrific. It makes me want to return to the days of my childhood when - in England at least - a "Bobby on the beat" was someone you respected, could rely on to help if necessary, and were only afraid of if you were committing a felon at the time, and even then you didn't fear for your life! What a sad world we live in these days.

[Anna Hargett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disturbing and frightening read.....especially in the era of CO-VID19. Not sure if reading this book during government imposed lockdowns and economic uncertainty was a smart move.....or maybe it is just the right time. It is important for Americans to know their rights and fight for freedom. This shakedown of society in America may be the moment for us to finally understand what it means to hold government accountable and for our voices to be heard.

[Chris Concannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was expecting a history of policing from its origins to the small town "Andy Griffith" types to the modern police state we have today. The entire book was on the current modern police state, the ways that they strip us of our liberties, the gadgets they have, the horrible things they've done, and then one minor segment at the end on how to improve our situation. Decent read. Author is locked into the Red v Blue divide, which didn't sit well with me. Some great quotes though.

[Todd Haines · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as I expected

There were too many references to Hitler and too many movie citations for me to get on board with this. I get the perspective and agree with a lot. Seriously disagree with others.

I saw the author on a news channel and noted the book. Not sure what some points were. It seemed like futuristic books had elements come true. While a lot is a serious problem, the issues are real, the books are not.

[David Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

America is in the throes of becoming a full-blown police state where liberty as envisioned by our Founding Fathers is being replaced by tyrants bent on destroying our God-given rights.

Whitehead thoroughly documents how this is happening at break-neck speed while challenging us to take action to stop it.

I highly recommend this book!

[Jamie Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting. Probably a little conspiracy in there but there’s no doubt we live in an ever growing police state for sure

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see in myself a lot of what John Whitehead stresses in the end about the common man in A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State. The book seems to be researched rather well when it comes to the examples he profiles. Everything from famous quote by the founding fathers to cases large (Rodney King) and small (daily surveillance in New York City) creates the text Whitehead reads. While no single case is followed throughout his argument, Whitehead compiles a litany of civil rights offenses that pass in the names of law and order and national security.

The police state the Whitehead describes relies on the complicity of the common man. Proletariat support for the ruling party, labeled as patriotism, is expressed through oppressive actions, like in 1984, or the anesthetization of people evidenced in Brave New World. The proletariat, working in both ways, has their place in the tactics of the ruling few. From this point in the book, the small methods of coercion used against the populace shoe not the back of Big Brother's hand but a (relatively) outstretched hand of peace. Fear of overt punitive action lulls people into accepting the smaller, less 'violent' methods of control.

The remark of seeing myself derives from the author's analysis of what makes all this possible. We have become sedated by our creature comforts. We accept the minor inconvenience now in the name of the greater good, depending in the judgment of our leaders when to allow us our right again. Big Brother enacts his policies through the pages of 1984 but sustains them between the covers of Brave New World. We need to become aware of our rights and responsibilities before others tell us what they feel our rights are. We need to educate ourselves and act on that knowledge. The more American society allows itself to be complacent, the more our rights will deteriorate and the more we imprison ourselves.

Grade: 85% / 'B'

[Matt Skains · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. It's kind of scary everything the government is allowed to do. At this point, everyone's imagination about what is possible in the realm of surveillance probably undershoots what is possible, but the part that got me most was the descriptions of what the courts allow the government do. Warrantless searches, warrantless home invasions, invading (while destroying property and even using lethal force) the wrong house without reprimand, etc. All of these things we as a body of citizens have allowed our "civil servants" to do in the name of safety.

The book really makes a strong statement about the precarious situation we, as a nation, would find ourselves in should we pay attention and look around. Makes me want to go back and read Brave New World.

[KC Yerrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book read over a single flight (250 pages). Many redundant examples and case studies, but the author did a great job on explaining the militarization of the police force and the erosion of our rights. Solid eye opener, but understand that the author has some bias that he attempts to account for; however, given the subject matter.

[Rob Seimetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, I couldn't put it down. Princeton University conducted a study that recently said the United States is no longer a democracy and is now an oligarchy. Well Whitehead's book details what a corporate state run law enforcement looks like, and here's the wake up call, it's already happening and only getting worse. This book is a must read!

[Karen Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really opens your eyes on the amount of liberty we are losing every day. It talks about the spying on Americans, the conditioning of young people, the increase in the size of government, ....

[Bharath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid book. In the beginning it looked like the author was repeating a lot of things, but as you keep reading you will find lots of varieties. The book have me the sense of how our freedom and liberty is taken for granted by an invasive government. Great read for all freedom lovers.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like Mark Dice's "Big Brother, The Orwellian Nightmare Come True" but not as well organized.

I learned very little new information reading this book, but I guarantee most people have heard very little of what the author writes about.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a good introduction into many of the worrisome implications of government activity. However, the book rarely goes digs into the weeds, so for those really invested in the subject, the payoff is not really there.

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

signed by author

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary book! Enough said.

[Larry Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chew on it, but don't swallow it whole. The concerns are real, but seem magnified beyond reasonableness in this book.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read. Will make you feel very paranoid about life in this country. Educate yourself and read this book because the information is legitimate.