The polarization of the American people places democracy at risk! This story shows how things could go horribly wrong if Americans were to lose faith in democracy and elect an authoritarian outsider as President on the basis of his promise to "make America great again" at any cost. It is 202x and the U.S. faces crises of historic proportions. Following horrific acts of terrorism, unprecedented natural calamity, abandonment by allies, and an embargo by oil-producing nations the economic collapse has created incendiary conditions in our cities. As racial tensions escalate, the prejudices of the American people spiral out of control and Muslims, Jews, blacks, and other minorities are targeted. The President, using the extraordinary power he has been granted, moves quickly to make good on his promises. He shuts down immigration and begins deporting Muslims, from countries he has branded as terrorist, and undocumented Hispanics on a mass scale. Fueled by growing antisemitism, Jews are secretly targeted. The President attacks the credibility of the electoral process and the free press; berates members of the judiciary who oppose him; and, appoints military state governors in order to quell the violence and seize control of the people. From a hopeful slumber, the Americans who elected the President awaken to the shocking reality of martial law. The story takes place in Indianapolis and follows two groups, one African-American (ReGenesis, Inc.) and the other middle class whites (The Resistance), thatindependently choose to resist a government that no longer represents the will of its people. The story also follows two senior officers of the U.S. Army as they agonize the role they are asked to play in the persecution of Jews, Africa-Americans, other minorities while seeking to crush the Resistance.
About the Author: A former trial court administrator and management consultant, Mel Hawkins has also served as a juvenile probation officer, manager of a multi-specialty group medical practice, and a small business owner. This experience has given Mr. Hawkins a unique perspective, one that has served him well as an innovator and problem-solver. Educated at Manchester College where he received a BA degree, the author has also earned a Master of Science in Education (Psychology) from the University of Saint Francis and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University. Mel resides with his wife in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mel and Chris have three adult children and four grandchildren. Active in his community, Mr. Hawkins attended Leadership Fort Wayne; formerly served as president and member of the Board of Managers of Byron Health Center, a 500-bed long term care facility; was a co-founder and board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Wayne; co-founder, board member, and former president of the South Side Business Group of Allen County. Mel has also served on the board of the Martin Luther King Montessori School, the Alumni Board of Leadership Fort Wayne, and as co-chair of the legislative committee of the Indiana Correctional Association. In the last five years Mel has been allocating a large portion of his time to writing about the cogent issues of the day. An experienced public speaker, Mel looks forward to the opportunity to promote his books.