With our national debt approaching $17 trillion, what actually happens when a country goes bankrupt? I would assume all government services would stop immediately.

Banking institutions and credit unions would close. Gasoline stations would close and utilities may cease to provide power and water. Supermarkets and food warehouses would be looted. Intercity residents may start looting all business and this would soon spread to rural areas as well.

Riots would turn violent in just a few days after the collapse. Local law enforcement will be overwhelmed. Citizens would demand the federal government do something to maintain order.

Early in President Obama's first term he issued an Executive Order (13528) that would give him power to declare martial law. This order gives him power to call up military and National Guard units to perform law enforcement duties. This essentially suspends the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 which prohibits the use of military personnel for this purpose under the Constitution.

Under martial law he can, without the rule of law, round up dissidents and hold them in detention facilities for an indefinite time. He can mandate a search of your home without probable cause and confiscate contraband (food) including guns and ammunition.

One of Obama's first czars was Van Jones, the Green's Czar. Jones was an admitted communist and he made no attempt to hide his political views. Jones in a video clip essentially outlined the same scenario that I have outlined in this letter. I would urge the citizens of this republic to demand their elected officials address the current debt crisis before it is too late.

William D. Coulson

Marissa