Book Synopsis
In an attempt to reduce expenses in the Federal Government, President Blackstone has cut six cabinet level positions from his staff. These reductions did yield some savings; however, the welfare rolls continued to expand with hordes of people applying for and receiving even more benefits. These increased expenditures resulted in the federal government plunging toward financial default. Expanding welfare benefits also saddled the states with additional debt.
Five states make the radical decision to secede. Rallying together, these five states form their own union, a sovereign coalition, separate from the United States. The U.S. Vice President dies suddenly in a mysterious house fire. The President appoints a career military man, General Raymond Greene, to act as Vice President. Shortly after Raymond Green takes office as Vice President, the President becomes ill and is forced to resign, consequently elevating Raymond Greene to President of the United States.