Kucinich's Prophetic "Prayer for America" Speech - Feb 17, 2002

Why are so many Americans oblivious as to how fragile this republic truly is? They go about their daily lives accepting what they have because they are, in the final analysis, Americans. The greatest and most free. Nothing can challenge US. Well, unless one is trying to board an airplane, enter a school, attend a ballgame. Those are minor problems compared to being 'safe'. Don't fucking kid yourselves. Your freedom is much more important than all that.

Let us pray that our nation will remember that the unfolding of the promise of democracy in our nation paralleled the striving and accomplishment of civil rights. That is why we must challenge the rationale of the Patriot Act. We must ask why should America put aside guarantees of constitutional justice?

How can we justify in effect canceling the First Amendment and the right of free speech, and the right to peacefully assemble?

How can we justify, in effect, the canceling the Fourth Amendment, probable cause, the prohibitions against unreasonable search and seizure?

How can we justify, in effect, canceling the Fifth Amendment, nullifying due process, allowing for indefinite incarceration without a trial?

How can we justify, in effect, canceling the Sixth Amendment, the right to prompt and public trial?

How can we justify, in effect, canceling the Eighth Amendment which protects against cruel and unusual punishment?

We cannot justify widespread wiretaps and internet surveillance without judicial supervision, let alone with it.

Dennis Kucinich gets it and he's worried as should be all Americans. Please read all of his presentation. He does an excellent job of voicing his concerns.

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