Radical Departure From traditional banking practices 

This article doesn't convey the sense that Check 21 is a radical departure from the way banks have traditionally worked.  The cancelled check was a key part of traditional checking.  The cancelled check is proof that a drawer has payed pursuant to the terms of the check.  Not only do you have proof, but you have the original paper and the original signature.  This is a right that bank consumers have, that has been taken away from them by special interests.
Check 21 nullifies attempts of banking consumers to protect themselves from banking fraud.  It is no longer possible to inspect the original paper of the check.  Experts cannot inspect the original signature or the ink used on the checks.  Watermarks are no longer useful, nor are special inks, microprinting, or other security features that were designed to stop check fraud.
Check 21 eliminates obligations banks usually had to their customers. It is a radical and profound change in our banking system, and it introduces lawlessness and chaos into our banking system.