the people of Kentucky to examine all the angles on this one. The repercussions are tremendous. I can tell you that we’ll likely support you, but I don't make decisions this big in the blink of an eye."
"I can respect that Governor," Paul said.
He contacted the remaining state governors in quick succession. Several of them were on the fence including Nebraska, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Northern Colorado also demanded an emergency partition vote to separate it from the rest of the state. If it went through, Northern Colorado would become part of the Northwest Coalition. The economic problems, the political discord between parties, and the friction between states and the Federal Government had been building up to a flashpoint for years. No one could have ever imagined it would all erupt on the same day.
CHAPTER 11
"Our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty."
-Samuel Adams
When Matt, Wesley and Adam returned from Piggly Wiggly, the girls were all gathered around the television watching the news coverage and eating the cookies Karen had brought over.
"What's happening?" Matt asked.
"People are freaking out," Shelly answered. "This is going to be way worse than the EBT riots. L.A. already looks like a war zone and it isn't even dark yet."
"How was Piggly Wiggly?" Karen asked.
"There was a lot of tension," Adam said. "Several people are trying to pay with credit cards and they’re very upset that they can't."
"How could people forget so quickly?" Janice asked. "We just went through this with the EBT riots. You would think that people would've been a little more prepared and have some cash around."
Matt said, "The news and the government told them it was a mistake and that it would never happen again. People always believe their lies. That's why they keep putting these people back in office and keep watching the same old news channels."
Wes asked, "What's happening in L.A.?"
Shelly answered, "People are walking out of the grocery store with full carts and not paying."
"Why are the managers letting them get away with it?" Wes asked.
"Everybody is doing it," Shelly replied. "They can't stop everyone, so they’re just letting them walk out. The police are trying to lock down individual grocery stores, but they can't be everywhere at once. Store owners in Koreatown closed up their shops. They ’re all posted up with their families around their neighborhood with shotguns and pistols tucked in their pants."
"At least some people have a good memory ," Wesley said. "The police aren't confiscating weapons?"
"Not yet ," Shelly stated. "The amnesty period lasts until March first."
Wesley countered , "Yes, but police are authorized to start confiscating any firearms on the ban list if they come into contact with them in the normal course of duty."
Shelly responded , "I guess they figure Koreatown is one area they don't have to secure if the residents are policing it themselves."
Matt turned his attention to the television.
CNC News correspondent Patrick James was reporting in a Chicago suburb. "We ’re getting reports of looting and food riots from all over the city of Chicago. While this area we’re in now is safer than some, the situation around us has been deteriorating as dusk approaches. We’ll continue to bring you live coverage as long as possible.
“Right across the street from us is a Target that was closed earlier today by management due to looting. Looters were seen running down the street with a wide assortment of goods. Some people had clothing and tennis shoes, others were carting off big screen televisions. I suppose if this situation proves to be the end of our civilization, one would like to witness it in HD.”
Despite the flippant comment, Patrick James had a look of disgust on his face.
He continued reporting,
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