Honorable Congressman Dennis Kucinich:

The India American community would greatly appreciate your answers to the following questions. Your responses would be publicized widely to the community.

Question 1: There has been growing defense cooperation between the US and India. In recent years, it has taken the form of joint exercises, exchanges, lifting of import restrictions, etc. As President, would you support continuing this cooperation? (100 words)

Yes.  I believe that maintaining strong ties with India are important for America.  This should include bilateral trade agreements, student exchange programs, and defense cooperation.  As president, I would embrace India as a valued ally.  Furthermore, I think that India will become a more prominent voice in the United Nations over the next few decades. 

Question 2: As President, how would you balance the need of the American corporations to remain competitive by outsourcing back-office operations to countries like India with the concern of the American people with job losses at home? (100 words)

The global trade regime of NAFTA and WTO has enriched multinational corporations. But for workers, family farmers, and the environment, it has meant a global race to the bottom. Companies leave the U.S. in search of low wages, low commodity prices, anti-union climates, and lax environmental laws.  NAFTA has been used to whipsaw workers at the negotiation table, forcing wages and benefit concessions under threat of moving jobs overseas.  Among the first actions of a Kucinich Administration will be withdrawal from NAFTA and the WTO—to be replaced by fair trade agreements.  Trade treaties must be conditioned on workers’ rights, human rights, and environmental principles.  I believe that this will create a stable global economy which will greatly enlarge the middle class.  Corporations have everything to gain by encouraging this sort of growth – a prosperous middle class is a necessary condition for a strong economy.

Question 3: In your opinion, what role should US play in resolving the India-Pakistan dispute on Kashmir? As President, would you put pressure on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism in Kashmir? (100 words)

I support the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir crisis through United Nations resolutions.  Peace will flow from a resolution made in accordance with the will of the people of Kashmir.  The United States should also be directly involved as a mediator in the negotiations between India and Pakistan.  International monitors along the line of cease fire will help to curb cross-border terrorism.  I consider the Kashmir crisis to be a top priority foreign policy issue, and as president I will work both through the United Nations and with India and Pakistan to achieve a peaceful settlement.    

Question 4: Given its size and strategic importance, many have argued that India deserves to have a permanent seat in the Security Council. As President, would you support India’s case? (100 words)

Absolutely.  As the world’s largest democracy, India is an important voice in the United Nations.  A permanent seat would allow India to play a stronger role in crucial decision-making processes.  This would be a great benefit to the world community because India has consistently promoted peaceful means of resolving matters of international concern.  Furthermore, the strength and credibility of the UN is bolstered as more nations are invited to share the responsibilities of the permanent members of the Security Council.

Question 5: The Patriot Act gives sweeping new powers of detention and surveillance to the Executive branch of government and law enforcement agencies, and deprives the government of judicial oversight to ensure that these law enforcement powers are not being abused. Indian Americans and other minority communities feel particularly vulnerable to the abuses of the Patriot Act. What is your opinion on this issue? As President, would you repeal provisions of the Patriot Act that have seriously undermined the civil liberties of American citizens and non-citizens? (100 words) 

I am the only presidential candidate who voted against the PATRIOT Act.  I believe that this law grants the federal government powers which are both exorbitant and unconstitutional.  Along with 20 other members of Congress, I have introduced the Benjamin Franklin True Patriot Act, which would repeal several major sections of the law. It would eliminate the PATRIOT Act's subjective search-and-seizure provision, unwarranted incarcerations, and the authority of federal officials to search our private records without probable cause. The act would restore the fundamental right of attorney-client privilege, revoke various Department of Justice secrecy orders, and repeal provisions harmful to the rights of immigrants. In addition, it would restore transparency to Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security administrative procedures by revoking Freedom of Information Act secrecy orders.

Question 6: Post 9/11, there has been an increase in hate crimes towards Indian Americans and other minorities. As President, what would you do to reduce the incidence of such crimes? (100 words)

I believe that fear is the root of hatred.  As president, one of my highest priorities will be to move America away from policies that generate unnecessary fears.  Toward this end, I would reject the Bush administration policy of dealing with terrorism with preemptive war.  It is much more constructive to view terrorism as an international criminal problem to be addressed by through the United Nations.  Strong institutions of international law also promote the ideal of diverse ethnic and religious groups sharing universal values, which is an effective way to overcome the fear which can lead to hate crimes.  In addition, the high-profile nature of the presidency will provide me with many opportunities to encourage Americans to unite behind the ideal of freedom under the rule of law, rather than remain divided by race or religion.    

Question 7: As a growing community, which has many accomplishments, the Indian Americans feel grossly underrepresented in all branches of the government.  Would role do you envisage for Indian Americans in your administration? Would you seek them out for senior positions? (100 words)

I have a great deal of respect for the people of India, and Indian American citizens as well.  I would not hesitate to consider qualified Indian American applicants for any position in my administration.  As president, I would work to strengthen India’s role as a member of the United Nations, and promote bilateral trade conditioned on worker’s rights, human rights, and environmental protections.  Toward these goals, Indian Americans would be a welcome addition to a Kucinich administration.  

Question 8: Do you have any message for the India American community in the United States? (200 words)

This upcoming presidential election is a historical crossroads.  America is heading down a dangerous road into the 21st century.  The Bush administration is working overtime to reduce environmental protections, weaken international law, and erode our most precious civil liberties.  This is the moment to steer away from these destructive policies, and rejoin the global community in working towards solutions to the challenges of the coming century.

A strong United Nations is a necessary condition for lasting world peace.  Institutions of international law provide a basis for the non-violent resolution of conflict.  A Kucinich Administration would work to strengthen the United Nations by abandoning the misguided policies of unilateralism and preemption.  The United States must also affirm principles of sustainability as well as recognize and promote international cooperation and agreements. Furthermore, I propose to establish a cabinet-level Department of Peace, seeking nothing less than the transformation of our society, to make non-violence an organizing principle, to make war archaic through creating a paradigm shift in our culture for human development for economic and political justice and for violence control.  The primary goals of this department would be to support disarmament, treaties, peaceful coexistence and peaceful consensus building.  Its focus on economic and political justice will examine and enhance resource distribution, human and economic rights and strengthen democratic values.

Violence is not inevitable. War is not inevitable. Nonviolence and peace are inevitable. We can make of this world a gift of peace which will confirm the presence of universal spirit in our lives. We can send into the future the gift which will protect our children from fear, from harm, from destruction.

Question 9: How can the Indian American community get involved with you campaign? Who do we contact for this purpose? (100 words)

One of the most important ways to help this campaign is to spread the word.  Write letters to local media.  Tell family, friends, and neighbors about the campaign.  There are also many opportunities to volunteer, including internships.  This is a great way to get more directly involved in the political process.  For details, call 1-866-413-3664, or check out www.kucinich.us.