March madness has certainly swept in, and this time it isn’t sports related: Financial martial law is an option in Michigan.

Yes, it is as drastic as it sounds.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a bill that allows the governor — hereafter referred to as “king” — to declare a state of “financial emergency” in a town or city — hereafter referred to as a “fiefdom.” The king then appoints an “emergency financial adviser” — hereafter referred to as a “feudal lord” — to deal with the newly-created fiefdom. Now the feudal lord may seize assets, cancel contracts, eliminate school districts and, for the cherry on top, the feudal lord may dismiss any elected officials as he sees fit.

While the king looks out over his land and hears the cries for equality, fairness and representation by the serfs inhabiting it, the feudal lord decides upon the financial situations of the fiefdom in whatever manner he sees fit, up to and including simply getting rid of the fiefdom.

For any readers out there lacking in some basic information about the good ol’ US of A, this type of power structure is akin to the monarchy that riled up our founding forefathers and led to a revolution.

It is a denial of the voice of the people to be heard. It is a slap in the face to the ideas on which America was built. It is a sign of dreadful things to come.

With all this in mind, it would seem obvious to assume states across this fair country would be up in arms and rallying together to support the masses, which would be converging upon the capitol of Lansing, Mich.

But they aren’t there. The information is in the news, but the collective outcry is missing.

How does a bill such as this make it all the way through a Senate, House and king — ahem, governor? Well, that is a matter of opinion. But what its passage says is loud and clear: Americans have become far, far too complacent in understanding the effects of government machinations.

On its surface, this bill would seem to be helpful in defeating the rampant bankruptcy plaguing Michigan. But after only a second or two — mainly reading the powers granted to the king and his feudal lord/s — this is not democracy, this is not what the Constitution’s creation sought to provide and it is, above all, unacceptable.

No matter if you fall to the left or right ideologically, this should not be thought of as a partisan issue. This sets a dangerous example for all.

Attempts to take the voice from people and quash democracy have been occurring in Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana; those situations might become even more dire thanks to Michigan’s acceptance of a king into power.

Perhaps it is time to accept Puerto Rico as a state rather than an unincorporated territory. Because from the looks of things, Michigan might as well no longer count as a state. The “50 Nifty United States” song says each state deserves a bow, and to be saluted now; that is not going to happen as long as Michigan remains a monarchy.