Dennis Kucinich Says Court Ruling Against the Patriot Act is a Major Constitutional Victory

According Dennis Kucinich, who is running for president, the latest federal court ruling regarding the "USA Patriot Act" is a major victory with regard to American's civil liberties and the U.S. Constitution. Key provisions of the act were found to be unconstitutional. This decision also rebukes the Bush Administration with regards to its abuse of power.

Kucinich says that the ruling indicates that no agency or public official is above the law. He is the only Democratic candidate that voted against the original "USA Patriot Act" that was instituted in 2001. He believes that the Justice Department and the White House does not respect American's rights and freedoms or the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. District Judge, Victor Marrero from New York, struck down a number of the act's provisions that related to the "national security letters". Judge Marrero stated that these letters were illegal and intruded on the privacy of customers. These letters were sent to Internet providers and telephone companies. The letters ordered the firms to turn over their company records without informing their customers. His ruling stated that the letters were not subject to court review or approval, declaring them illegal.

Kucinich says that the five Democrats that voted in favor of the 2001 law are now seeking to be elected to Presidential office. He feels that these Democratic candidates should have known that their decisions were wrong and they are not in a position to claim they have the leadership, wisdom or experience to hold Presidential office.

Dennis Kucinich is the only Democratic Presidential candidate that voted against the authorization of the war in Iraq as well as voting against its continuation. His policy regarding foreign affairs addresses American diplomacy for strengthening international leadership through peaceful methods.

Kucinich also has strategies which address issues such as health care, capitalism, poverty and the middle class.

In particular, he proposes strategies to save the Middle Class which include: