Chapter 8 Summary

This chapter begins with an explanation of the reason that Michael carries a gun. He has a special permit, and he feels he needs it to protect him from the gang-bangers who cruise the streets in D.C. His friend, Mark Coleman, was killed by a drug addict only a year earlier. The mugger was caught, and Michael learned that the man had been convicted of armed robbery twice before, but had been released early on parole due to prison overcrowding. Mark's death is described as the second most traumatic event in Michael's life.

After Mark's death, Michael becomes more dissatisfied with American politics. He sees the "fat cats" talking enthusiastically about crime when the press is around, but notices that they spend the taxpayers' money on other special-interest programs instead once they meet behind closed doors. Michael no longer believes he can...